Almost all Coventry police cells 'unsafe'

[dutchman]

A review has found nearly every custody cell being used by police across the West Midlands breaks safety rules.



The Prison service and the police spoke to 107 people in custody and looked through facilities across the region.

They found the majority of cells had places where people could hang themselves and risks were not being assessed enough.

A lot of in-mates also told them they had not been offered a shower and were worried about their privacy, and over 1 in 5 complained that bedding had not been changed before their arrival.

In Coventry there are 45 cells, in suites at the main police station on Little Park Street and the Chace Avenue base in Willenhall.

17 locations were inspected across the West Midlands.

Overall they found some areas of excellent practice, especially in how they were organised, the amount of staff being used, the level of healthcare available and access to services for people with drug and alcohol issues.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick and HM Inpector of Constabulary Dru Sharpling said:

“Overall, this report reflects a positive picture of custody provision in the West Midlands police area, although there are a number of issues which require attention.

“We believe that this report, and the issues highlighted within our recommendations, will assist the Chief Constable and the police authority to further improve custodial services.

“We expect them to consider these issues within the wider context of force priorities and resourcing and to provide us with an action plan in due course.”