Detention

The following information is a leaflet which is provided to all detainees on arrival into custody.

This leaflet is available in 19 additional languages. It is not available in differing font sizes but each custody centre has available magnifying overlays for use by short sighted detainees.

Plans are in hand to have a Braille version of the leaflet. Until this is available Custody staff are simply instructed that in the event ofus having a blind detainee they will simply read the leaflet to them.

What should you expect when detained in custody

To have been given a form detailing your rights and entitlements.

If you are in a cell there is a ‘call button’ on the wall next to the door. If you press this the staff will be alerted that you need something and will come and see you as soon as they can. Please be patient there may be others who require dealing with too.

You may have a toilet in your cell, if you do not then one is available outside of the cell for your use.

There may be CCTV in your cell – this is for your safety.

There are washing facilities and a shower available for use.

If you have any specific caring responsibilities please inform the custody staff.

If you are a female and wish to speak to or see a female member of staff please inform a member of the custody staff.

Food is available normally at recognised meal times. Please inform the staff if you have any specific dietary or religious requirements.

Drinks are available on reasonable request which normally include tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water.

Blankets, tissues, toiletries and feminine products are available should you need them.

A doctor or nurse will be called should you need to see one.

There is an outside exercise area available for use. Preference will be given to persons who have been detained for longer periods.

If you are unhappy with any matters relating to your treatment by Hampshire Constabulary you have the right to complain and should bring these to the attention of a member of staff at any time. They have a duty to inform the relevant person to investigate the matter. This is usually an Inspector.

There are many agencies which are nothing to do with the police that can offer specialist help or assistance (such as drug referral worker and mental health worker). If you need any information please ask a member of custody staff.

You may receive a visit from an Independent Custody Visitor. These are members of the public who check on you welfare and the way you have been treated whilst in custody.

If you don’t know please ask.

Your care and welfare is important to us.

The following attachment is the Equality Impact Assessment document relating to the overarching bail policy.

Equality Data - Protected Characteristics - Detention

Introduction: This brief report outlines the equality data Hampshire Constabulary hold relating to the ‘protected characteristics’ within the custody/detention environment following the Equality Act 2010. A number of specific measures have been identified with regards to persons detained within our custody facilities across the two counties that relate directly to the ‘protected characteristics’.

Age: All detainees have their age recorded. In the case of any person under the age of 17 an appropriate adult is always required to attend the police station and that person will be fully involved throughout the detention process. The same action is taken in cases where a detainee is very elderly and it is considered that due to their age they are vulnerable.

Disability: On arrival at the police station each detainee is subject to a risk assessment. Any disability should be identified through this process and a care plan is created by the custody officer. In many cases the care plan will be created after consultation with a doctor or nurse. Any mental disability/vulnerability will result in an appropriate adult being required to attend the police station (as above).

Gender Reassignment: Staff are provided with detailed instructions to comply with when searching and dealing with detained person who is identified as transgender. Where a detainee possesses a full Gender Recognition Certificate (issued under the Gender Recognition Act 2004) they must be treated as being the gender specified in that certificate.

If there is doubt about the detainee’s gender they should be asked what gender they identify themselves as and what gender they would be preferred to be treated as. If a detainee expresses a preference to be dealt with as a particular gender this should be recorded on the custody record.

If the detainee is unwilling to make such an election they should be treated as the gender that they present as.

Before any search (routine custody search or strip search) takes place the custody officer shall consult with the detainee regarding the manner in which it may be conducted. The detainee may state a preference as to the gender of officer who conducts the search and this preference may be for officers of different genders to conduct different parts of the search (one example being: male officer below waist and female officer above waist). The final decision as to the manner of the search remains that of the custody officer but every reasonable effort must be made to accommodate a detainee’s preference. It is important, both for the dignity of the police officer / detention officer and the detainee, that any officer involved in the search is properly briefed and fully understands their role.

Race/Religion and belief: A copy of the bible and the Koran are available in all custody suites. Additionally, prayer mats (together with compass) are also available in all custody centres. During the detainee booking in procedure the detainee must be asked whether they have any cultural, faith, religious, dietary requirements (including the need of the detainee to wear clothing/jewellery/head gear) and this must be recorded on the custody record.

Sex: All female detainees under the age of 17 will be informed by the custody officer that they may, at any time, request to speak to a female member of staff.

All female detainees must be offered a feminine hygiene kit. This offer will be made, where possible by a female member of staff, discretely and as soon as practicable after the initial booking in procedure.

A feminine hygiene kit comprises of a sanitary towel, a tampon, a sterile wipe and a disposable sanitary towel bag all contained in a sealed plain bag labelled Feminine Hygiene Kit.

Each custody centre must make arrangements to have a suitable container available within the custody area where used sanitary towel bags may be disposed of.

Conclusion: The above instruction/guidance is drawn from our Custody Procedures, as published on the Internet and Constabulary Intranet.

Link to Custody Policies and Procedures:

http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/rightinfo/foi/informationclasses/policies/custody.htm