Lincolnshire Police is the first service in the UK to benefit from Siemens’ new Custody Suite solution which helps safeguard the welfare of all individuals who find themselves in police custody.
Complying with the requirements of the ACPO safer detention guidelines, Siemens technology enables the police to monitor the Health and Safety of detainees throughout the practical detention process.
The solution typically comprises CCTV cameras located at critical points (for example, the booking-in desk, intoxiliser room, live scan room, detention rooms, cells, corridor areas, the exercise yard and van docking station).
In use, the system may be integrated within the police IT infrastructure so archived or real-time digital video and audio recordings can be monitored either on site or remotely by designated personnel.
Compliance with the ACPO guidelines
Speaking about the solution, Stewart Brinn – acting chief inspector at Lincolnshire Police – explained: “We have upgraded our Custody Suites to ensure we comply with the legal framework within which we have to operate. We have a diverse mix of people coming into our Custody Suites, from drunks to criminals facing serious charges. Our priority is to hold all detainees in a safe and secure environment, as per the APCO guidelines.”
Brinn added: “We have CCTV cameras located in key internal areas, including the cells and corridors. These feed into a central control area in the charge room where live audio and visual recordings may be accessed on screen.”
In conclusion, Brinn stated: “Although the CCTV facility will never eliminate the need for physical cell checks, it does support our team in other ways. For example, as well as helping to safeguard the well-being of those people in custody, the technology also offers another level of protection for our officers. Being able to provide solid material evidence of a specific sequence of events will prove invaluable should the actions of any of our officers ever be called into question.”
Adding his words to those of Brinn, Peter Hawksworth – managing director for Siemens Building Technologies Security Solutions – commented: “Through working closely with the police over several years, we have developed a clear understanding of the changing needs of the Custody Suite environment. Our priority has been to develop a technical solution which meets ACPO regulations, improves processes and reduces Stakeholder risk.”
Hawksworth concluded: “As well as bespoke technology, we also offer tailor-made financial packages and the police benefit from OGC buying solutions and specific frameworks which we have set up in certain areas. The basic idea is to save the police service time, money and resources throughout the entire tender process.”