Why I need ex-staff to come forward – A Medomsley Detention Centre appeal
Operation Deerness issues new appeal to staff
If you were a member of staff or a volunteer who worked at Medomsley Detention Centre, then we need to hear from you.
My name is Adrian Usher and I am the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. My office is carrying out a special investigation into the abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre between 1961 and 1987.
Our investigation began in November 2023, and to date, we have reviewed over 2500 documents. The investigative team have been speaking with victims and witnesses of the abuse to understand their experiences. 60 people have reached out to us so far, and we have interviewed around 40 of them, with more scheduled.
You may have seen we issued a Call for Evidence in July, asking for authorities and organisations that hold information to share this with us. Gathering all relevant information is a key requirement of our investigation and I am pleased to say that 31 of these organisations are now actively engaging with us.
You might be wondering why we are asking to hear from staff?
Well, whether you were a cleaner, a teacher, probation officer, prison officer or a typist – we want and need to hear from you. You may have been a taxi driver, a bus driver, or a receptionist. Anyone with working ties to Medomsley can help. We know you have a story.
We know that a lot of staff were often very new to the job. You will have gone through training – what was this like? What was your experience?
Your input is vital in helping us gather a broader picture of how the detention centre operated to ensure your experience is accurately reflected in our final investigation report. It’s important we hear about your own professional work experience so please do reach out to us.
We know that for some who have already undergone involvement in previous investigations, it may be difficult to revisit some of these issues. I want to reassure you that all information shared will be treated sensitively and staff can remain anonymous if they choose to. This is not a criminal investigation, but we do require your input.
I do understand that being interviewed must have been extremely difficult for all witnesses. I commend those who have spoken about working at Medomsley and have generously given us their time during these important interviews. We appreciate the trust you have instilled in us. Please contact us at ppomedomsleyinvestigation@ppo.gov.uk or phone/text 07511 165 266 to reach out.
Adrian Usher
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Listen to Richard Tucker, Senior Investigator’s appeal and read his Open Letter to staff.