# Detention Service Orders Detention Service Orders (DSOs) are mandatory instructions outlining procedures to be followed by Home Office staff and IRC supplier staff. DSOs are updated periodically and have no expiry date. They cover a wide range of topics such as visiting, room sharing, surveillance, use of restraints and access to video calls. At the outset, each DSO states where the instructions which it outlines apply (whether in IRCs, RSHTF, pre-departure accommodation or all of the above). It is useful to access DSOs in order to gain an understanding of the responsibilities of Home Office staff and private contractors, the rights of people detained and how people in detention can access services in detention. For example, in the [“DSO for Detainee access to video call service”](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/detainee-access-to-video-call-service) it is stated: “Each centre must ensure that a video call service is available for use over a minimum period of seven hours every day.” However, visitors will find that instructions such as this are often not properly applied. DSOs can be accessed online on [the government website](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/detention-service-orders). Be aware that: a) the Home Office does not put all Detention Service Orders online and b) guidance documents may be taken offline during revision by the Home Office. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://avid-detention.gitbook.io/avid-handbook/immigration-detention-in-the-uk-essential-legislation-policy-and-guidance/detention-policy-and-guidance/detention-service-orders.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.