Commissioner's panel scrutinises custody performance

The panel, set up by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, looks at all elements of custody from staffing and arrest data to incidents in custody and how they are addressed.

Made up of members of the public and independent from the police, the panel’s role is to ask questions around performance and give feedback to Lancashire Constabulary. Panel members come from all walks of life with some also serving as Independent Custody Visitors who check on the welfare of detainees during unannounced visits to custody suites.

As part of each meeting, panel members scrutinise a number of randomly selected cases to ensure procedures are followed correctly and there are no areas of concern. This includes the review of custody records and videos, some of which include the use of force with the panel assessing whether officers’ actions are proportionate and necessary in each case.

Panel meetings also serve to provide members with detailed information about support available to those in custody. This week’s meeting was attended by the NHS Liaison and Diversion Team who work in custody suites across Lancashire 365 days a year. The team can work with detainees and make referrals for support on a range of issues including housing, finance, mental health or drug and alcohol abuse.

Commissioner Grunshaw said: “The Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel is a really important part of holding Lancashire Constabulary to account and allows us to demonstrate openness and transparency around the work that goes on in our custody suites here in Lancashire.

“Rebuilding public trust and confidence is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire and being open and honest with the public is a critical part of this.”

Further information about the panel can be found on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.