Section 148: Management of detention centres
404.This section requires the appointment of a detention centre manager at every detention centre. In the case of contracted-out centres, the appointed person must be a detainee custody officer whose appointment is approved by the Secretary of State. In appointing a manager of a contracted-out centre the Secretary of State will have regard to the experience and qualities necessary for running a custodial institution. The section also provides that the functions of detention centre managers will be set out in detention centre rules.
405.The section requires that detention centre managers who are private contractors must not deal with disciplinary matters in relation to detainees, nor may they authorise segregation or restraint of detainees other than in an emergency. These limitations are similar to those that apply to directors of private prisons.