Hampshire Police Authority

24 September, 2002

Independent Custody Visits to Police Station - Jan-June, 2002

Report by the Convenor of the Isle of Wight Panel

1. Police Station No. of No. of Detainees Detainees not
Visits Detainees seen seen

Newport 11 20 8 12
Ryde 1 0 0 0
Shanklin 1 0 0 0

Of the 12 cases when access was impossible and not pursued the reasons given were as follows:

With solicitor 1
Refused 3
Being interviewed 4
Discharge pending 3
Transferred to mental health 1

2. General Remarks

2.1. The Custody Suites were kept in good order and the cleanliness was of a high standard.

2.2. There was an infestation of small fly like insects coming in through the corridor ceiling but the problem was dealt with and the repair to the ceiling is pending.

2.3. One cell had a problem with hot water pipes making the cell too hot and the detainees slept on floor, also cell 5 was uncomfortable (March).

2.4. Some paintwork is needed.

2.5. The corridor at Ryde Police Station is still not satisfactory and remains unresolved.

2.6. CCTV is a great asset but can have a "blind spot" in cells.

2.7. The medical room has a storage problem with very little room for the Doctors in attendance to manoeuvre and carry out his/her work. This has been commented on and reported several times.

2.8. Storage problems were also noted in the kitchen.

3. Other Comments

3.1. The ICVs have always commented on the helpfulness and courtesy of custody staff but in May an unsatisfactory visit was made, with unnecessary waiting and no explanation. This was reported to the Convenor and then reported to Inspector Ross (Newport).

3.2. The Panel found no breaches of the Code of Practice governing the treatment of detainees.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

4fR230802