The conditions are so poor that some prisoners deliberately injure themselves to be transferred to hospital.

There have long been human rights concerns surrounding Queensland’s police watch houses, where children are held indefinitely. Source: Supplied / Queensland Police Union

These are some of the conditions many detainees — including children — are facing in Queensland’s police watch houses, a damning review has revealed.

It also came after media reports of human rights concerns, including a joint investigation by The Feed and Guardian Australia which showed — for the first time — footage of children being locked inside isolation cells, allegedly for punishment.

“This can result in heightened anxiety, distress and an increased risk of self-harm.”

Children locked up for weeks

“The Review found that longer prisoner stays in watch-houses can lead to increased rates of non-compliance by prisoners and increase in self-harm events,” the report said.

“Queensland’s watch houses are dangerous, degrading, and unfit for any human being, let alone children,” Kilroy said.

“We must divest from police. We must shut down watch houses. And we must get our girls out.”

Vulnerable groups at risk

People in watch houses have higher rates of health issues compared to the general population — including mental health concerns, suicidal ideation, disabilities and substance abuse.

There’s been a rise in complaints about watch houses, including the behaviour of watch house staff.

However, it noted: “the vast majority of total complaints … were unsubstantiated”.

Government and police accept recommendations

“One in seven staff and police who work in watch houses [are] the victim of assault, which is greater than that on the front line,” Purdie told reporters on Thursday.

Aboriginal Counselling Services can be contacted on (02) 4707 7989.