Hampshire Police Authority

24 March, 2003

Custody Visits to Police Stations July to December, 2002

Report of the Convenor of the Isle of Wight Panel

1. Police Stations No. of Visits Total no. of Seen Not Seen
detainees

Newport 11 13 6 7
Ryde 2 0 0 0
Shanklin 2 0 0 0

2. Of the 7 cases where access was impossible and not pursued the reasons given were as follows:

Refused 2
Being interviewed 1
Rest period 4

3. General Remarks

3.1. During this period of time Custody Visitors did not see many detainees, although times of visiting were at different periods, there was no occupancy of cells.

3.2. The problems raised specifically were the lack of female support staff, which has now been resolved with 4 female detention officers recruited since the report of 7 September, 2002, and hopefully more to be recruited.

3.3. The "ongoing" cracks in Ryde Custody Suite last reported 27 October has been resolved and work to rectify this is to be carried out by 31 March, 2003.

3.4. Storage problems are still apparent in all the Custody Suites.

4. Other Comments

4.1. The new Superintendent, Supt. Kilbride is to attend the next panel meeting.

4.2. The Seminar in July held at Netley was again a success and much appreciated.

4.3. Custody Visitors commented on the good order and high standard of cleanliness in all the Custody Suites.

4.4. The custody staff of all Police Stations visited were found to be courteous, helpful and professional to Members of the Panel during their visits.

5. The panel found no breaches of the Code of Practice governing the treatment of detainees.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report be noted.

4fR610203