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Police codes change following IPCC representations

Changes to the codes that determine how detainees in England and Wales are treated have been made following successful representations by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Three significant amendments have been made to the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) codes that could help reduce the numbers of deaths and serious injuries in custody. There were 15 deaths in or following police custody during 2011/12.

The changes follow work undertaken earlier this year by the IPCC when it helped shape new Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) national guidance on the safer detention and handling of detainees.

The PACE definition of intoxication has been removed and replaced with ‘under the influence’ so that those suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs are checked every half hour.

The IPCC called for this change following its report into a complaint made by the family of Gary Reynolds, who fell into a coma while in the custody of Sussex Police. He was found unconscious in his cell hours after being arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

Mr Reynolds was suffering from a head injury but had been identified as drunk and therefore not checked regularly or roused. The PACE codes have been amended so that more checks are made on detainees by custody staff and an adequate level of care provided.

The second PACE change secured by the IPCC relates to the way improper treatment can be reported during detention. There is now more scope for reporting, thereby reducing the risk of some incidents not being logged.

 The third change clarifies that custody officers retain overall responsibility for the care of detainees, even if some tasks have been delegated to others, including private contractors. The changes also mean custody officers must be satisfied that those carrying out those tasks are suitable, trained and competent to carry them out.

The codes now stipulate that if any duties are performed by other staff, then the outcomes shall be reported as soon as is practicable to the actual custody officers who retain overall responsibility for the care and treatment of detainees.

IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin said: "These changes will help to ensure that people in the care of the police will get adequate care and checks during their detention, which in turn could mean that the number of deaths and serious injuries is reduced.”