Concerns Over Police Custody
An inspection report has raised concerns over children being kept in police custody overnight on Teesside.
An inspection report has raised concerns over children being kept in police custody overnight on Teesside.
Inspectors said it was generally good around a few things including mental health and safety.
But it found they need to do more to ensure children are not being kept in custody cells overnight.
There were also some concerns about the use of force, and risk management.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick and Dru Sharpling, HM Inspector of Constabulary said this:
“Overall our inspection found that Cleveland police’s senior management team was focused on ensuring detention was safe by establishing partnership arrangements with other organisations that provided detainees, especially those with mental ill health, with appropriate care.
“However, more could have been done in conjunction with local authorities to promote the welfare of children.
“Staff were courteous but further guidance should have been provided on preserving detainees’ dignity in the course of CCTV monitoring. There was evidence of a reduction in the number of people passing through the custody suites.
“Patient care services for people needing medical attention in custody were good. This report provides a small number of recommendations. We expect our findings to be considered and for an action plan to be provided in due course.”