Lancashire Constabulary has been praised for its work with detainees with mental health issues following an unannounced visit by government inspectors.

HM Inspectorates of Prisons and Constabulary visited the force’s seven custody suites in April.

The subsequent report of the visit praised the force’s strategic leadership of custody arrangements, its ‘good and appropriately challenging’ relationship with Lancashire Police Authority’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and the Authority itself.

The findings of the inspection also focused on the way police officers and staff worked with other agencies to deal with detainees with mental health issues, which was then held up as an example of good practice for other forces.

The report noted that a mental health co-ordinator, employed jointly by a number of agencies, helped to ensure a consistent approach to dealing with detainees across the force. Also highlighted was the work of the criminal justice mental health liaison teams who linked the custody suites with the local courts. The HMIC inspectors also found that good arrangements were in place to keep the use of police custody as a safe place for people with mental health issues to a minimum.

Other areas of good practice included the respectful attitude of the constabulary’s custody staff towards detainees, health care provision, a positive approach to balancing the priorities of progressing investigations with the rights of detainees and a drive to find alternatives to custody. Blackpool in particular was praised for its innovative system to managing the high number of people bailed back to the police station.

However, the report did make four recommendations as to how services could be improved. It noted that some cells needed deep cleaning and for graffiti to be removed. It was recommended that custody officers should engage more with detainees to explain why some intrusive procedures were necessary and to address any concerns they may have. It was suggested that there should be clear policies and procedures for certain detainees, including females, juveniles and those with disabilities, and staff should be trained to recognise these needs. Risk assessment processes were also recommended for review.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke, Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We welcome this latest HMIC report and are pleased with its findings, which reflect the professionalism of our staff who work within the custody suites.  As you would expect with an unannounced inspection, the inspectors got a real and true feel of how Lancashire Constabulary’s custody suites operate on a day-to-day basis. We will look at the recommendations made by the report and ensure that the appropriate action is taken.”

“It is good to see that the work we are doing with partners, like Lancashire Police Authority and those who work with us on mental health issues, has been recognised and we will continue to come together to build on the effective systems we already have in place.”

He added: “People who have been arrested and detained can be in a vulnerable situation and I’m confident that we are providing the level of service that the people of Lancashire would expect us to.”

Malcolm Doherty, chair of Lancashire Police Authority, added: “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 it’s satisfying to see such a positive report from HMIC.

“The protection of vulnerable people is one of the Authority’s top priorities and therefore I’m pleased to see this official recognition of the work undertaken to provide the best possible care for those with mental health problems while they are detained by the Constabulary.

“Naturally we will consider the report in detail and ensure that any recommendations are addressed appropriately.”