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UK Detention Services Order 09/2012: Searching Policy Updated to Version 7.0 with Amendment to DET Process for Seized Do

🇬🇧 United KingdomBorder Security1 recorded versionLast change 25 Aug 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

Version 7.0 updates the process used by the Detention Engagement Team after a nationality document has been seized. The updated policy states that details of seized documents must be provided to the onsite DET immediately. The DET then updates the relevant notes in ATLAS and informs the Home Office caseworker by email and follow-up procedures. Where a passport is found, the DET is instructed to consider whether removal is likely within the next six weeks and follow the relevant property-management procedures. The caseworker then determines whether the document should be retained, returned, or otherwise dealt with and updates the relevant Home Office records.

Overview

The UK Home Office has updated Detention Services Order (DSO) 09/2012 — Searching Policy to Version 7.0. The GOV.UK publication was updated on 25 August 2026, with the change specifically described as an “amendment to DET process for seized documents.” The order governs searching of detained individuals, staff, visitors, vehicles and mail in immigration removal centres (IRCs), pre-departure accommodation (PDA), short-term holding facilities and during escort. The updated version is a mandatory operational instruction for Home Office staff and relevant suppliers. The August 2026 change is not a new power to search or seize documents. Those powers already existed under the Immigration Act 2016. Instead, the update changes the operational process for handling nationality documents seized during searches, particularly the process for passing information to the Detention Engagement Team (DET) and recording the document on Home Office systems

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Detention services staff
  • Detainees at removal centres
  • Visitors at removal centres
  • Vehicles at removal centres
  • Mail at removal centres
  • Individuals in pre-departure accommodation
  • Individuals in short-term holding facilities
  • Individuals under escort

What changed in the latest version

Before

The old Detention Services Order (DSO) already allowed officials to search people who were held and their belongings. It also allowed them to take nationality documents in certain situations. Under section 51 of the Immigration Act 2016, a Home Office official could tell a Detainee Custody Officer (DCO) to look for nationality documents. This was allowed if there were good reasons to believe these documents would be found. This power could include searching the person who was held, their room, and their stored belongings. Section 52 gives separate powers to take certain nationality documents found during a normal search. So, the previous version of Detention Services Order (DSO) 09/2012 already had rules for dealing with documents found during searches.

After

Version 7.0 changes the way the Detention Engagement Team (DET) works after a nationality document has been taken. The updated policy says that staff must give details of taken documents to the onsite DET straight away. The DET then updates the relevant notes in ATLAS. They also tell the Home Office caseworker by email and follow other set procedures. If staff find a passport, the DET must consider if the person is likely to be removed from the UK within the next six weeks. They must then follow the correct property-management procedures. The caseworker then decides if the document should be kept, given back, or handled in another way. They then update the correct Home Office records.

This update is important for staff who work in detention services. This includes staff at removal centres, pre-departure accommodation, and short-term holding facilities. They must now follow the changed rules in version 7.0 of the guidance. The change to how the Detention Engagement Team (DET) handles documents that have been taken will specifically affect how these items are managed. This could impact legal steps or administrative tasks. People who work in or visit these places, such as staff, people who are held, and visitors, will need to follow the updated search rules. If staff do not follow the new guidance, it could lead to mistakes in procedures or not following Home Office policy.

Explained simply

Imagine if a rulebook for a very specific job (like managing things in immigration centres) gets a new edition, just like a school textbook. This new edition, called 'version 7.0', changes a small but important part about what happens when officials find documents they need to take. It's like changing the specific steps they have to follow when they grab someone's notes or papers. So, if you're working there, you need to read the new steps for handling those papers, and if you're someone whose papers get taken, they'll now follow these updated steps.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v6Effective 25 Aug 2026EffectiveMedium impact
    UK Detention Services Order 09/2012: Searching Policy Updated to Version 7.0 with Amendment to DET Process for Seized Documents

    The Home Office and Immigration Enforcement have updated the policy called 'Searching policy'. This policy tells staff how to search people, staff, visitors, vehicles, and mail in different places where people are held. It was first published on 1 August 2012. The policy is now version 7.0. This update began on 25 August 2026. It also includes a specific change to how the Detention Escorting Team (DET) handles documents they have taken. The information available does not say what the previous policy version was or the exact details of this change.

Timeline

  1. Takes effect

    25 Aug 2026

    The guidance has been updated to version 7.0 and includes an amendment to the DET (Detention Escorting Team) process for seized documents.

  2. Announced

    1 Aug 2012

    The Home Office and Immigration Enforcement have revised their Detention Services Order 09/2012, known as the 'Searching policy'. The guidance, now in version 7.0, incorporates a significant amendment to the Detention Engagement Team (DET) procedures regarding the handling of seized documents. This update took effect on 25 August 2026 and applies to searches conducted in various immigration detent

Other routes in this country

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