Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police respond to use of force in custody report
The report criticised the limited oversight of use of force incidents
Last updated 9th Jul 2024
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary say it has made improvements to its recording of the use of force in custody.
It follows a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which criticised the "limited oversight" of the use of force in some custody suites.
The report also expressed concern about how the management of risks to keep detainees safe, citing that short staffing had led to long waits in van docks and holding cells, and that control of cell keys is not managed "well enough".
HMICFRS and the CQC recommended that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary should "scrutinise the use of force in custody to show that it is necessary, justified and proportionate when used."
They also called on the force to ensure its "risk management and release processes are safe."
The report also suggested improvements to the training of custody officers and the accurate completion of custody records, as well as the booking-in and safeguarding of detainees.
Responding to the report, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Raya said:
"The report from HMICFRS recognises the force delivers safe detention for the 25,000 people who every year come through our custody suites across our sites in Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Southampton and Newport.
"It highlights our clear governance structures, clean and respectful environment and comments on the quality of our care provision and facilities, including the support of a mental health nurse for those suffering from mental health episodes.
"Importantly, the inspection found our custody staff and officers were well trained and equipped to deliver in this important role for our communities, operating in accordance with the College of Policing code of practice.
"It also noted that our custody personnel are polite and treat detainees with respect and dignity, showing empathy and understanding towards them and their circumstances.
"Authorisation of detention is proportionate and appropriate and the inspection reflected positively on the work to divert children and vulnerable adults away from custody.
"As in all inspections there were areas for improvement which we have already responded to. One of these areas included the administration of how we record the use of force when someone is in custody. There were no issues identified regarding any inappropriate use of force by officers and staff and this recording process has now been strengthened.
"Use of force on a detainee is only ever done as a last resort and we have clear guidance, training and scrutiny to ensure when we do apply force, it is proportionate and necessary.
"We welcome the inspection in this important area of policing and the public can have confidence that when we use our policing powers to arrest and bring people into our custody suites, we will do so with compassion and care."