Operational partnerships - Custody policy (Q01)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in February 2022 - no amendments to content have been made. 

2. What this policy is about

2.1. This policy and linked procedures determine how persons are treated whilst detained in police custody suites. Detainees' welfare, dignity and respect are of paramount importance.

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedures is mandatory.

3. Statement of policy

3.1. In certain circumstances persons are detained as part of an investigation to determine if they have committed an offence and on occasion to protect themselves and others from harm. There are statutory/legal and ethical obligations placed on police to ensure the safety of detained persons, staff and all others in the custody environment.

3.2. Custody provides for the safety of detainees, officers, staff and, above all, the public in our suites and beyond. Legal delivery of custody processes ensures compliance with legislation, guidance and policy that govern our investigative processes. Kent Police strives to delivery productive services that achieve a positive outcome in respect of each detainee during the first period of detention and throughout officers and staff in custody put the public, partners and our colleagues first to provide the best possible service.

3.3. Kent Police complies with Approved Professional Practice (APP) and information contained in this policy and associated standard operating procedures are enhancements to APP or specify how APP will be complied with.

4. Implications of the policy

4.1. Finance/staffing/training/other

4.1.1. This policy requires the level of resources, budget provision and the training undertaken by officers and staff in custody to enable the provision of safe, legal, productive and supportive custody operations.

4.1.2. Following a HMIC recommendation and APP guidance, staff development training in addition to personal safety training will now be provided to all custody officers and staff on an annual basis. This is to ensure that officers and staff are in a position to enable the provision of safe, legal, productive and supportive custody operations.

4.2. Risk assessment

4.1.2. This policy has been assessed as high risk.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.3.1. This policy has been assessed in terms of its impact on equality and has been graded as having a high potential impact.

5. Consultation

• Northfleet Response
• West Kent DSU
• Medway PPU
• West Kent Sevenoaks/Swanley
• Neighbourhood Policing Margate
• Human Resources
• Estates
• IT Security
• Health and Safety
• Equality and Diversity
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Police Federation
• Unison

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. This policy will be monitored by the policy owner who also has oversight of the practical delivery of custody. The next scheduled review is February 2024.

6.2. A comprehensive performance pack developed and published in force on a monthly basis. It is intended that there should be ACPO and senior management team (SMT) oversight at a local and force level. This data is also made available to the Independent custody visitors via the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner with a briefing.

6.3 Each month a Kent custody suite is subject of an inspection intended to identify compliance with this policy and areas for continuous improvement.