An inspection of Wiltshire Police’s two custody suites has revealed a ‘significant risk to detainees’.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found that the force has failed to improve since its last inspection, which was carried out in 2016.
The news comes two months after it was confirmed that Wiltshire Police would remain in special measures over ‘deteriorating performance’, with fears over the force’s abilities to police to county.
The main worries were around the governance and oversight of the use of force in custody, with the report stating it “isn’t good enough” and is “now a cause of concern”.
“Some information is inaccurate, incidents aren’t always properly recorded on custody records, or recorded at all, and not all staff involved in an incident complete the required use-of-force forms”, it said.
It continued: “This prevents any effective scrutiny over the use of force by Wiltshire Police.
“In our CCTV review we found use-of-force incidents weren’t always managed well. Overall, the quality of recording on custody records isn’t good enough, and neither is the level of quality assurance.”
HMICFRS also found that due to healthcare staff shortages, detainees weren’t always assessed medically.
“Routine health monitoring of detainees doesn’t always take place, and detainees don’t always receive their medicines at the required time”, it reads.
“This poses significant risks to detainees, the healthcare provider and the force.”
Issues were also raised with how reviews of detention are carried out, with concerns over the level of scrutiny given by staff in the custody suite. The report suggests that some reviews aren’t lawful.
He said: “Reviews of detention aren’t always carried out well enough, or in the best interests of detainees. Not all aspects comply with PACE and its codes of practice.”
Inspectors also found potential ligature points in the cells at Gablecross custody, and more in the exercise yard and shower units.
The report said that the custody suites were clean and well-maintained and the general approach to detainee care is “good”, with detainees interviewed by an inspector speaking positively about their experience.
Across both custody suites in Swindon and Melksham, Wiltshire Police employs 38 detention officers and 17 custody sergeants. Mitie Care & Custody Services were awarded the healthcare contract.
Later this month, Melksham’s custody suite closes for refurbishment work – meaning all detainees will be processed at the Swindon custody suite, putting further pressure on the service.
Read the full report on the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services website.
