Hampshire Police Authority

19 February, 2002

Custody Visits to Police Stations - July to December, 2001

Report of the Convenor of South East Panel

1. Introduction

1.1. The South East Panel currently consists of 14 acting members.

1.2. During this period there have been two panel meetings that were well attended.

1.3. The present Convenor has resigned due to work commitments and a new Convenor has been appointed to take up his new role on 1 April, 2002.

2. Custody Visits to Police Stations, July to December, 2001

2.1. Where access was impossible or not pursued, the reasons are given below:

Refused 44
Interview 24
Court 2
Released 7
Violent 8
Asleep 6
Drink/drugs 3
Finger printing 4
Being processed 2
Mental Health 2

3. Summary

3.1. We were generally promptly admitted to custody areas, when delay occurred, a valid explanation was given.

3.2. Cell areas at all stations were found to be very clean and tidy.

3.3. In all cases where detainees had a medical problem, custody staff were aware and satisfactory procedures had been instigated to safeguard detainees' welfare.

3.4. Custody staff were always found to be courteous and helpful and comments made by custody officers were found to be very informative.

3.5. Negative points made were the fact that detention officers are not sufficiently aware of their protective role towards ICVs. During visits, on occasions they were left alone with detainees in cell block area, while the accompanying officer performed other duties.

3.6. At Portsmouth Central Station the maintenance book has not always been available. Cell 8 has had a broken toilet for several weeks. The custody area was found to be understaffed during very busy periods.

4. General Comments

4.1. The ICV Annual Conference held at Netley on 12 September, 2001 was found to be very interesting and informative. All ICV's valued the training aspect of the day, and would like to receive more continuous training.

4.2. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all panel members for their support during my six years as Convenor. Without their much valued contributions and effort, the South East Panel, which is performing under strength, could not have achieved its good standard of performance.

4.3. Also, my thanks must be extended to Sharon Jackson, Scheme Administrator, for her unfailing support and advice which has been very much appreciated by myself and all panel members.

4.4. There were no adverse reports about negligence or maltreatment of detainees.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

4fR730202