We were delighted to see HM Inspectorates of Prisons and Constabulary praising the Constabulary for its work with people being held in police custody and who have mental health issues.

The report recognised the work of Lancashire Police Authority’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and the contribution both our custody visitors and the Authority have made.

The way the Constabulary works has been assessed as ‘best practice’ and something for other forces to consider.  This is reassuring for our communities and for those who are involved with people who have mental health problems.

We pledged to protect vulnerable people and this is first rate evidence that at a time when people are very vulnerable, the Constabulary is treating them appropriately.

The Authority’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme sees volunteers turning up unannounced at any time of the day or night to provide an impartial check on the welfare of those being detained.  The feedback from these visits is used to help improve service delivery so everybody involved should be proud to see such a positive report.

Click here to read more: http://www.getintheloop.co.uk/news/2011/09/force%E2%80%99s-treatment-detainees-mental-health-issues-praised-hmic