Excessive force during removal of immigration detainees.
Use of force against immigration detainees during attempts to expel them from the UK must be limited to that which is strictly necessary and proportionate under the circumstances, using accepted methods of restraint designed to minimise injury risk to all concerned. Fourteen cases are reported after failed removal attempts, where there were allegations that excessive force had been employed. Collective analysis of the 14 cases reveals a misuse of handcuffs in 11 cases with resulting nerve injury in 4 cases, the use of inappropriate and unsafe methods of force, such as blows to the head and compression of the trunk and/or neck, and continued use of force even after termination of the deportation attempt, occurring inside security company vehicles out of sight of witnesses. An analysis of the legal implications for the government and recommendations aimed at eradication of abusive practices are given.
Granville-Chapman
Charlotte
C
Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, 111 Isledon Road, London N7 7JW, UK. cgranville-chapman@torturecare.org.uk
Smith
Ellie
E
Moloney
Neil
N
D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011329:Prisoners; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014459:Ulnar Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D006113:United Kingdom; D014754:Violence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology*