Rights, obligations and what to expect whilst in the Watchhouse
Rights
- You will be treated with humanity and respect for human dignity.
- You will not be subjected to cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment.
- You shall be provided with food during usual meal times.
- You will have water freely available to you.
- If you are a foreign national you shall be allowed reasonable facilities to communicate with the diplomatic and consular representatives of the state to which you belong.
- If you have difficulty understanding English, an interpreter will be contacted to assist you.
- You will be allowed contact with a legal practitioner to seek legal advice.
- Usually, Legal aid will see you in the court cells prior to your court appearance.
- Subject to safety restrictions and supervision as necessary in the interests of the administration of justice and of the security and good order of the Watchhouse:
- You will be provided with clothing if you are not allowed to wear your own clothing.
- You will be provided with bedding.
- You will be provided with such toilet articles as are necessary for health and cleanliness and the maintenance of self respect.
- You will be allowed reasonable facilities under appropriate supervision, to communicate with your family, friends, and authorised support services, by receiving visits and/or by telephone.
- You may contact a qualified religious representative.
Obligations
- You must not resist or assault a police officer whilst they are carrying out their duties.
- You must not cause damage to the Watchhouse or any property in the Watchhouse.
- You must be searched to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- You may be fingerprinted and photographed and reasonable force may be used to do this.
- You may be charged with additional offences if you assault or resist police or cause property damage.
The Watchhouse is monitored by video surveillance and constantly recorded. This footage may be used as evidence against you if you resist or assault police or cause damage to the Watchhouse or any property in the Watchhouse.
What to expect whilst in the Watchhouse
Processing
- You will be processed through the Watchhouse as quickly as possible, however, there can be delays due to operational requirements, processing of other prisoners and/or preparation of paperwork in relation to your or other detainees detention and or bail.
- When you first arrive at the Watchhouse, you will be taken before the charge counter and asked a number of standard custody questions.
- Your property will be removed recorded and stored for return upon release or transfer.
- You will be searched to ensure that you are not carrying anything with which you or others may cause harm or damage.
- There may be occasions where you will leave the Watchhouse with investigators for investigative purposes.
- You will be placed in a holding cell whilst the paperwork in relation to your detention is prepared by the arresting police.
- Once the paperwork has been prepared and checked, you will be brought before the charge counter where you will be formally charged by the Watchhouse Sergeant or released without charge.
- You may be fingerprinted and photographed and reasonable force may be used to do this.
- Following the charge process, you will either be bailed to appear at court at a later time or remanded in custody.
- The Watchhouse Sergeant may also place conditions on your bail, and/or require a self or cash surety before you are bailed.
Court
If you are remanded in custody, you will be placed in a cell where you will be held until the next court sitting day. You will be informed of when you will be going to court.
Meals
Meals will be provided to you at usual mealtimes.
Medical Attention
If, at any time during your detention, you require medical attention, please contact Watchhouse staff using the intercom system.
There may sometimes be delays in processing due to operational circumstances. Cooperation with procedural requirements and requests from Watchhouse staff will result in the quickest possible processing time.