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” 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 (you can find the link in the "Overview and Sources" section of this chapter.) 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.