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Graham Smith
Jan Thompson
Graham Mumby-Croft


Chris Duffin
Issue 75 Autumn 2016
Enjoying being an Independent Custody Visitor. 

Back in 2013, we decided to leave our home in Spain where we had lived for almost 15 years and return to the UK. We had had our fill of English coast, sun, sand, sea and Sangria so we headed for the to Brighton. So much had changed in the years we had been away and we are still catching up with those changes almost three years down the line.

One of the changes that most interested me was the election of Police and Crime Commissioners. I had heard about these elections when in Spain but understood that the turn out for the elections of these roles was extremely poor and, when talking to local people, most of them had no idea who they were or what they were supposed to do.

I became an Advisor to a Charity in Brighton called RISE, an organisation which supports victims of domestic abuse. The PCC’s Office contacted them and asked if they could nominate anyone to be a member of their Elders Group and they asked me if I was interested. That role is for another magazine article in the future.

As a result of my time spent in the PCC’s office, I was asked if I would be interested in becoming an Independent Custody Volunteer. I had never heard of the scheme and had no idea people were recruited to visit Police Custody Cells to ensure that the detainees were treated in accordance with Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE). I was interested to learn more so I agreed to join.

Obviously, there was the usual Police Check and references were required. Training was very comprehensive with a lot of opportunity for interaction with the tutors. I had long since forgotten, if in fact I ever really understood, the details of PACE so had a bit of reading up to do but I enjoyed the experience and it does help the old grey matter to learn something new.

One of the other things I didn’t know is that Police detainees no longer get taken to a Police Station but to Police Custody Suites with dedicated staff in control. These are specifically designed centres rather like you see in American ‘Cop’ Series with a high bridge for the staff and the prisoners are below with the escorting officers. Here the booking in and removal of property etc. is done in the presence of CCTV cameras. Once processed, the detainee is taken to the cells in the back of the building where they are observed in cells by CCTV.

Brighton Police are now experimenting with body cameras so every part of an arrest and experience of custody will be recorded on camera, something I was surprised to hear was welcomed by most Police Officers.

In Brighton, there is an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Constable on “The Bridge” but the day to day needs of the prisoners are dealt with by Private Security Staff. My experience so far has indicated that they have a very good relationship with the Police and the detainees:

However, there are sometimes shortages of items like blankets.

These items along with food and hygiene products are part of their contract with the Home Office. Compliance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act is supervised by the uniformed staff.

The training we received and the ongoing support is excellent. Since doing the basic training I have been at a Conference in Birmingham where the Chief Constable from the West Midlands updated us on the situation about deaths in custody and gave us insight into the recent improvements in some Forces for detainees with mental health issues. Some Forces are now taking Mental Health Nurses out with them to assess if behaviour is likely to be due to mental health problems rather than criminal behaviour. If that is the case they are now taken by ambulance to a place of safety rather than police cells. The age at which a person can be detained in Police Custody has now been changed to 18 years old from 16 years. Appropriate adults are generally available within a couple of hours for those vulnerable prisoners who need them.

I was also surprised that there is a nurse on duty in the custody suite to deal with prisoners who may be on medication or need to go to hospital. Sometimes it is because they are suffering from too much alcohol, psychotic episodes from legal or illegal substances, or self harm.

At the Conference we were addressed by the head of HMIP who also inspect the Suites and who told us that our reports form a great part of their evidence during an inspection.

The commitment is not too onerous with visits taking place, along with a colleague, about once a month. Visits are, just like Governor’s visits to Prisons, at random times during the day and night.

My experience of the Custody Suite in Brighton and the staff that run it has been, so far, extremely positive. The staff are most helpful and give the impression that our role is useful to them as they have little power to change things they feel need attention. Our regular reports add pressure to the authorities to improve facilities.

It is rather strange at first being back in a custody unit but the familiar sights, sounds and, of course, the smells soon make you feel quite at home. There is no clanking of doors and the sound of keys, as the cells all open with key cards and number pads. I was hoping there might have been a change in the insults but the language is just the same.

There are some difficulties recruiting volunteers as there is no remuneration, just reimbursement of expenses, but I have found it both interesting and rewarding, not to mention meeting some great people. Try it, you just might like it.

CHRIS DUFFIN