Expectations for police custody: for consultation

For further information on the outcome of this consultation see the HMICFRS website

For the summary of consultation responses see the HMICFRS website

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and HM Inspectorate of Prisons are reviewing and updating their Expectations for police custody

This consultation was held on another website.

This consultation ran from
10am on 23 December 2021 to 5pm on 31 January 2022

The Expectations for police custody were last updated in 2018.

This version of the Expectations addresses changes to the PACE Codes of Guidance – in particular PACE Code C for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons detained – and any changes made by College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) on Detention and Custody.

The proposed Expectations also reflect concerns raised by those with an interest in police custody, or where recommendations have been made to improve standards. We remain focused in our Expectations on achieving better outcomes for detainees.

Dame Angiolini’s independent review of deaths and serious incidents in police custody – in particular, recommendations about the care of detainees under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or substances;

concerns raised by the Independent Custody Visitors Association (ICVA) about the needs of menstruating women and girls in police custody (which led to changes to the PACE code C); and

revisions to reflect changes in professional health care requirements and practices.

We have also taken the opportunity to clarify wording, remove duplication, and re-order some of the sections and indicators.