Recommendations - Humberside Police, January 2022
This learning was identified following a Death or Serious injury report where a detainee in custody was able to hide a razor blade within the copy of the legal rights documentation prior to the custody search being performed. He later used the razor blade to self-harm whilst in his cell.
IOPC reference
Recommendations
The IOPC recommends that Humberside Police use this case, within; officer training, force communications and policy/guidance, to highlight the need to maintain effective supervision of a detainee, especially prior to the completion of a search.
This follows a Death or Serious Injury (DSI) incident whereby a detainee was able to hide a razor blade within a copy of the legal rights documentation given to him, and later use the razor blade to self-harm whilst in the cell. Prior to the search, the detainee can be seen to place his hands in his pockets on a number of occassions. No one told him not to do this. During the booking procedure, the escorting officer is stood behind the detainee, meaning they did not have a clear line of sight to monitor the detainee's behaviour. When the detainee removed the razor blade from his pocket and placed it within the documentation, all officers were doing other things or looking away - no one appeared to be watching the detainee at this time. Humberside Police should update officer training by using this case as an example, to highlight the need to highlight the need for officers to maintain a clear line of sight to ensure adequate monitoring of a detainee. Humberside Police should consider sending communication to all relevant staff, reminding them of the need to adequately monitor a detainee prior to them being searched and should consider if any policies or guidance require updating in this regard.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Accepted action:
The current OST refresher training (April 2021 to March 2022) which is delivered to all Officers in Force as part of the Annual Licensing programme has ‘Searching of Suspects’ as part of the content. This is aimed at Operational and Custody staff alike.
There is also currently a Custody Sergeants Course running to train 8 new Custody Sergeants. One of these days will be used to focus mainly on examining the Sergeant’s role and responsibilities within the reception, searching and detention of prisoners in custody and to serve them as a reminder that along with PC 1 and DO’s they play a major part in the QA process of searching in Force.
Intelligence obtained from the Met Police on OCGs and the carrying and secretion of weapons will also be used to highlight the hidden dangers and possible consequences.
Lessons to include this scenario as a lesson learnt
Lesson plans to be updated to version control and show this addition
Wand requested to be able to use in scenarios during OST training
The IOPC recommends that Humberside Police consider implementing the use of metal detecting wands in their Custody Suites.
This follows a Death or Serious Injury (DSI) incident whereby a detainee was able to hide a razor blade within a copy of the legal rights documentation given to him, and later use the razor blade to self-harm whilst in the cell.
In this case, the detainee was subject to a 'pat-down' search and no metal detecting wand was used. Whilst such a wand cannot be guarenteed to pick up such a small item, it cannot be ruled out may have identified itthere still remains the possibility that it could have picked it up.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Accepted action:
Wands already in use have been supplemented by a new supply so there are plenty and escorting Officers are being reminded by Custody staff to ensure their use on all detainees brought into custody.
Communication is ongoing with Procurement regarding a potential trial of a device - which is an innovative new piece of equipment for use in Custody Suites to detect Ferris metals with over 98% accuracy and works on changes in the earth’s magnetic field. Although the device is not yet in use and is some way off being obtained, Humberside Police may be trialling one next year. This could make a real and positive difference to the welfare and safety of detainees and Custody personnel.