Hampshire Police Authority

24 March, 2003

Custody Visits to Police Stations - July to December, 2002

Report of the Convenor of the South East Panel

1. Police Stations No. of Min reqd. Total Seen Not
visits detainees seen

Portsmouth 18 18 140 60 80
Waterlooville 16 18 51 31 20
Fareham 11 6 32 21 11
Gosport 11 6 14 9 5
Havant 3 2 0 0 0
Southsea 2 2 0 0 0

Total 58 55 204 108 96

Where access was impossible or not pursued the reasons given were as follows:

Refused 41
On interview 23
Advised against 9
Rest period 3
Language problem 4
In drink 2
Out of station 3
Infectious disease 1
Refused to sign 1
Released 9

2. General Remarks

2.1. Portsmouth Central

We were generally well received but there have been concerns that the staffing levels are still rather low at times. The state of the decoration is getting poor in a number of cells. Facilities for the staff are very cramped. We have found hazardous waste in the shower areas and this gave concern but I understand that this problem has now been fully addressed.

2.2. Waterlooville

This Custody Suite is always clean and tidy and we are always well received. The charge area does however get very hot in the summer months. At the other extreme, cell M1 is often very cold.

2.3. Fareham

The welcome is always warm at this station. It is almost always very clean and tidy. On one occasion the Station was closed and no notice had been received.

2.4. Gosport

There is never a problem at this station with cleanliness, tidiness and the welcome and assistance that we receive.

2.5. Havant

Considerable work has been done to remedy the poor state of the block when we visited. The staff at the station need to be complimented on the standard of the work completed.

2.6. Southsea

This suite is generally empty and is always in a sparkling state.

3. General Points

3.1. We have been considerably under strength for some time. We are a small team that has worked very well but we have missed some visits because we could not cover adequately. One of the team has been unable to help because of severe medical problems with his wife, another has had a hip replacement and another has been suffering a long-term illness. Now four new members have been recruited and trained and this will undoubtedly help the situation but another three or four are really needed in future months.

3.2. We are really pleased with the assistance that has been given to the Custody Inspectors, especially Insp. Dave Elkins at Portsmouth Central, together with their Sergeants and Detention Officers and we offer our thanks to them.

4. As the Panel has found no Breach of the Codes of Practice we recommend the acceptance of this report.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

4fR630203