THE TV documentary 24 Hours in Police Custody shapes many people’s views of custody.
Dramatic moments often take centre stage, but the reality is more complex.
Custody is a highly pressured environment, where people are at their most vulnerable, and where decisions are made that have real consequences for individuals and for public confidence in policing.
What happens in custody matters. It is not a place the public typically sees, yet it is an area where human rights, dignity and safety must be protected without exception.
People arrive in custody in many different circumstances: some accused of serious offences, some experiencing mental ill health, and some under the influence of substances.
Whatever the situation, they are entitled to fairness and appropriate care.
That is why public scrutiny is so important and is provided by independent custody visitors (ICVs). They are volunteers from our communities, who help my wider work in scrutinising the police and holding them to account, on behalf of you.
The volunteers who are recruited, trained and supported by my team are empowered to make unannounced visits to police custody suites.
Crucially, they operate independently of the police and their role is to check the welfare of detainees, ensuring rights and entitlements are upheld.
During visits, ICVs are escorted to the custody area and may speak to detainees in private, out of hearing of officers.
They look at conditions in the suite, access to food, water and hygiene, and assess if people understand their rights.
After each visit, they produce a report which is shared with me and with the police. These reports enable issues to be identified quickly, improvements to be made, and trends to be monitored over time.
Throughout January, we trained a new cohort of ICV volunteers to bolster those already in post.
They all bring a breadth of life experience and perspectives that will strengthen scrutiny.
Their willingness to give their time, often at unsocial hours, is deeply appreciated.
Transparency is at the heart of public confidence in policing, and custody is no exception.
I remain committed to supporting the volunteers whose independent oversight ensures that fairness, accountability and dignity remain at the core of policing.