Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on ppo.gov.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

Thank you for coming forward – An Operation Deerness update

Published:

It’s been almost eighteen months since the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman launched our special investigation into what the authorities knew about abuse that occurred at Medomsley Detention Centre between 1961-1987.

From 7 February, we will no longer be accepting evidence or undertaking interviews as we move on to the next stage of our investigation. If you have information that you would like to share, please contact us before this date.

Richard Tucker, Senior Investigator leading Operation Deerness said,

“I want to extend my personal gratitude to those who have given their time to this investigation.

Everyone who shared their experience with us, from those who were detained or worked at Medomsley, to the authorities or researchers who provided greater context of how detention centers operated, has given us a clearer picture of what happened.

We are now concluding our lines of inquiry and our appeal for people to come forward with information has come to an end. Coming forward takes enormous courage, so I thank you again”.

The PPO encourages anyone who has information on abuse that occurred at Medomsley Detention Centre to now contact Durham Police. If you have been affected by your time at Medomsley or any of the themes discussed in our investigation, you can find support available on this page.