POLICE custody provision in Staffordshire was generally positive, but needed to focus on consistency and better health care according to a new report out today (27).
Facilities across the county including a reserve suite in Stafford were examined by Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons, and Dru Sharpling, HM inspector of constabulary.
The report of the unannounced inspection is revealed today. It was part of a national programme of joint inspections of police custody.
It looked at three custody suites in Staffordshire which operate 24 hours a day, in Stoke-on-Trent, Burton-on-Trent and Watling House, Gailey. Two reserve suites in Stafford and Tamworth were also inspected.
Overall there were some areas of excellent practice, but some areas which still needed to be addressed.
In a joint statement the inspectors said: “Staffordshire Police was providing decent conditions of detention, and the centralising of this function was leading to improvements. As the force moved to a fully-centralised and corporate organisation of custody it needed to focus on consistent quality of delivery, monitored and reinforced by managers locally and at senior level.
“There should also be attention to some particular areas, such as health services, which need to be established on more secure foundations than at the time of inspection. We expect our findings to be considered in the wider context of priorities and resourcing, and for an action plan to be provided in due course.”
