They operate 24/7 and each has an Inspector who oversees its operation. Custody sergeants and detention officers look after detainees.
When someone is arrested the sergeant listens to the circumstances and decides whether to authorise detention.
Once the go ahead is given, the detainee is asked questions, many about their health and wellbeing so they can be properly looked after. Medical professionals are embedded in each centre.
Often detainees are given support during their stay and follow-up appointments for ongoing care made for after their release.
In 2020, 19,501 people found themselves in our custody suites. Of course, not everyone is willing to co-operate and unfortunately staff are often at the fore of their frustrations.
This year has been particularly challenging and on occasions staff have been assaulted.
COVID was used as a weapon by some and an increase in assault by spitting was seen. Other unpleasant experiences have included dealing with dirty protests, having urine thrown and being shouted and sworn at on a regular basis.
Custody staff are professional in their approach and the ethos is that detainees are treated with dignity and respect. Many people in custody are vulnerable and those under 18 always have the services of an appropriate adult to ensure their rights are protected.
Vulnerabilities can be wide ranging from health needs to learning difficulties, special needs, neuro diversity and not being able to read or write. There is an interpreter service available for those who do not speak English.
As many people are detained for several hours, food and drink is offered on a regular basis with special diets, religious needs and allergies catered for.
Detainees are monitored and physically checked in line with any identified risks.
Duties can include constant observations, visits every 20 or 30 minutes or hourly checks. CCTV assists the process.
Unfortunately, there are occasions when detainees wish to injure themselves.
Anti-harm clothing is issued and items such as laces, belts, and cords taken away where appropriate and always with dignity in mind.
The cells are checked daily for anything that could be used to cause harm. Despite this staff do have to intervene on many occasions to prevent detainees hurting themselves.
Custody staff are very much on the front line. They save lives, they interact with very difficult individuals, but operate with the professionalism and specialist training unique to their roles.
All detainees are searched once in custody and any property is placed on a register and stored securely until release.
Sometimes detainees try to hide items but airport style wands usually prevent this.
Custody officers’ priorities are detainees’ health and wellbeing.
People often end up in custody at a time of crisis and the support they receive is often needed and welcomed.
Officers tell me that custody is a very interesting place to work in with a high level of risk, but pride taken in doing the job well.
Custody suites are subject to external scrutiny with monthly independent visits to examine detention logs, meet with detainees and physical inspection for a variety of aspects such as cleanliness and food stocks.
Feedback is given to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office and recently has included some very positive comments.
In 2019 Devon and Cornwall’s custody operation was the subject of a HM inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) inspection.
The centres were assessed as delivering good outcomes for detainees with care and consideration of their welfare, good record keeping and cooperation with partners, particularly in relation to children and individuals with mental health issues.
Devon and Cornwall also have the first custody centre in the world to deploy Oxehealth life signs monitors to complement, rather than replace, the quality care provided by staff in monitoring some of our most vulnerable detainees.
Custody is always a regrettable intervention but it seems that, in Devon and Cornwall at least, we have some professional staff who deliver a fine service.