#001/2010 - Inspection on Police Custody Suites in Leicestershire Constabulary

#001/2010 – Inspection on Police Custody Suites in Leicestershire Constabulary

Today, the Chief Inspectors of Prisons and Constabulary publish the report of a joint inspection of police custody suites in Leicestershire. This is part of a regular programme of police custody inspections.

Overall, the inspection revealed a positive picture, with much good practice. Inspectors found:

  • There were sound management structures and excellent working relationships with the Police Authority and the independent custody visitors
  • Detainees were treated respectfully
  • PACE codes of practice were rigorously applied
  • Healthcare arrangements were good, though response times needed monitoring
  • Services for those with drug and alcohol problems were among the best seen.

However, in common with other forces inspected, there were some concerns:

  • Deficiencies in the storage and management of DNA and forensic samples
  • Use of force was not well-recorded
  • Insufficient attention to the specific needs of women, juveniles and those with disabilities.

Inspectors were also critical of the condition of some accommodation, and of the slowness of the UK Border Agency in dealing with immigration detainees.

The Chief Inspectors, Dame Anne Owers and Denis O’Connor, said

“This inspection has identified much good practice, but also some areas of concern, a number of which are common across other forces that we have visited. We hope that, by reinforcing good practice and pointing to areas for improvement, senior officers and the Police Authority will be helped to make further progress.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. A copy of the full report can be found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website from 12 January 2010 at www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi_prisons
  2. This joint inspection was carried out from 24 – 26 August 2009
  3. Please contact Nilima Fox (HMIP Press Office) on 0203 334 3525 or Katherine Savage (HMIC Press Office) on 020 7035 2027 if you would like more information or to request an interview.