A joint review by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland examined custody centres at London Road, Govan, and Cathcart police stations in September 2024.

Inspectors reviewed 90 custody records from July 2024, identifying five instances where children aged 13 to 17 were detained longer than deemed necessary.

A 13-year-old was held for over six hours, while three 14-year-olds were held for more than six: 10, and 12 hours respectively. A 16-year-old was held overnight for over nine hours.

The HMICS report stated the children had been charged with what it deemed “minor offences”, none of which involved court appearances. It also noted no record existed on the Police Scotland National Custody System to indicate a custody inspector was aware of or had sanctioned the detentions.

The inspection aimed to assess the treatment and conditions of detainees at Glasgow’s primary custody centres.

Craig Naylor, HM chief inspector of constabulary in Scotland, called on Police Scotland to ensure decisions involving children in police custody are subject to “robust management oversight”.

Mr Naylor said: “The staff we spoke to highlighted that the custody division aimed to minimise the number of child arrests wherever possible, and to reduce the time spent in custody at the centres.

“However, our review of records highlighted anomalies in the length of time some children spent in custody.

“We consider holding children in a cell for the length of times we noted to be inappropriate, disproportionate to the offence, inconsistent with custody policy, and potentially detrimental to the child.

“None of these records contained a sufficient rationale to explain why it was necessary and proportionate to delay liberating the child.”

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Wendy Middleton said the force would “carefully consider” the findings and recommendations.

She said: “While issues have been identified and will be addressed, we have seen a reduction in the number of younger children being brought into custody overall and a significant decrease in the number of older children held over 24 hours.

“This demonstrates a collective desire not to have children in our care for any longer than is absolutely necessary, and this will continue to be a priority for us.

“We have made it clear that police custody is no place for children and young people, and we are actively working with stakeholders including the Children’s Commissioner to explore appropriate alternatives to police custody for children.”