Hampshire Police Authority

19 February, 2002

Custody Visits to Police Stations - July to December, 2001

Report of the Convenor of the South West Panel

1. Visits made during July to December, 2001

Secondary stations visited: Hythe, Totton, Lymington

2. General Remarks

2.1. Again we have been well received in all stations. On most of our visits we have been escorted by a detention officer, rather than a police officer. We have been impressed by the courtesy and consideration shown to the detainees by these officers.

2.2. It has been noticed that a number of escorting officers are adding remarks to the cue and the way that this is done often brings about a refusal to see the visitors. A remark such as "you don't have to see them if you don't want to" is more likely to result in a refusal whereas "you don't mind seeing them for a couple of minutes, do you?" will often bring about a positive reaction.

2.3. Complimentary remarks received from detainees have been passed onto custody staff and requests for drinks, reading material etc have been promptly dealt with.

2.4. The custody suite in the new St. Mary's Stadium, the home of Southampton Football Club, is now open. Arrangements have been made for visits by panel members on match days. Accommodation is limited to 2 holding cells. Detainees are moved to Bitterne for processing. We have been impressed by the Police co-ordination of all emergency services for behaviour control and safety of spectators.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

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