People taken into custody by Devon and Cornwall Police have ‘good outcomes’ according to a report by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Prisons.
Inspectors who visited the force’s seven custody suites (including Plymouth) found a very clear focus on diverting people, especially the most vulnerable, away from police custody. Children were only taken into custody as a last resort. Those who were detained received good care and were treated well.
Inspectors found many positive features including well trained staff who showed a strong caring culture; good partnership working when
dealing with children and detainees with mental ill-health; staff managing challenging behaviour well and de-escalating situations appropriately; only using force against detainees as a last resort and managing risks well with frequent checks and consistent attention to rousing detainees who were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.