GEM (Global E Mail) No.	186/2009

To:	Police Authorities Chairs Police Authorities Chief Executives

Cc:	APA Board APA Secretariat

No of attachments:	2
Brief:	Police Custody Inspections - Cover letter and signed Memorandum of Understanding for Police Authority Chairs
Contact:	oliver.shaw@lga.gov.uk

Dear Colleagues,

You will be aware that HMIC and HMI Prisons have started announced and unannounced joint inspections of Police custody facilities. In relation to this, please find attached:

A cover letter to Police Authority Chairs from Peter Todd, Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, HMIC

A copy of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The MOU was approved at the APA Council on April 21, 2009. It covers the terms and conditions / roles and responsibilities by which the inspections will occur. A summary of the key points concerning the inspection of police custody facilities is found below.

* * *

Background

Under the UN Optional Protocol (OPCAT - 2003), independent inspections must be undertaken of all police custody facilities. In England and Wales, Ministers agreed that the inspection of police custody facilities will be jointly carried out (for the first time) by HMIC and HMI Prisons. The APA has been fully involved with the MOU's development and is supportive of the inspection regime.

In addition to Board and Council papers, further information concerning the Inspection regime's development has been distributed in GEMs 099/2009, 020/2009 and 375/2008.

What’s being inspected?

The inspections will focus on all police custody suites. Colleagues will be aware that Police Authorities own the estate that holds police custody suites. In addition, Police Authorities have a statutory responsibility to ensure an effective Independent Custody Visiting (IVC) Scheme operates in their area. There are approximately 14 inspections planned for 2009 – 2010. These inspections will comprise of both announced and unannounced inspections. The inspection process was piloted throughout 2008.

Note: Colleagues are reminded that this inspection regime should not be confused with the Inspection of Police Authorities, which are also currently being piloted, but are completely separate.

Preparation

PAs may like to ensure that their Lead members for Custody (and possibly Independent Custody Vistors and Forensic Medical Examiners) are aware of activity around unannounced inspections and their potential involvement. In preparedness, colleagues may consider doing the following:

Ensuring your Chief Constables/ Police Forces are aware that from June 2009 inspections will be unannounced.
Ensuring you and your Police Forces are familiar with the inspection framework
Ensuring that the Police Authority is aware of the outcomes of any inspections and actions arising from them.

The outcomes of the inspections may generate local media interest. Police Authorities may want to consider how this will be managed and coordinated with their Force Press Offices ahead of the inspections. Members may also be interested in reading inspection reports from the pilot sites (see website below).

http://inspectorates.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmiprisons/inspect_reports/553231/

Feedback

The APA would be interested in feedback from any experiences from Police Authorities. This will be used for future learning and sharing of lessons learned as the inspections continue.

Regards,

Oliver Shaw

Association of Police Authorities

15 Greycoat Place | Westminster | London | SW1P 1BN

T: 0207 664 3183 | F: 0207 664 3191

E: oliver.shaw@lga.gov.uk

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