Concern over risk of suicide for suspects held in police cells

A report published today has revealed that inspectors discovered nails and slight protrusions from the walls in custody suites across the county that posed a potential risk for prisoners to hook shoelaces or other ligatures on and strangle themselves.

The inspection of six custody suites in York, Harrogate, Scarborough, Northallerton, Skipton and Selby was carried out in February this year, just as an eight-month renovation of the cells was completed at a cost of 602,000. However, the joint report by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, and the Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Denis O'Connor, stressed that some ligature points were still found in the cells.

They also urged an overhaul of the force's procedures to ensure that staff carried anti-ligature knives if a prisoner attempted to take their own life.

Concerns were raised that while all detainees were assessed on arrival, some assessments had not reflected intelligence about prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick admitted that the force has had to take action to address the concerns raised, but he maintained that the report remained largely positive.

He added: "As with any inspection there are improvements to be made, but overall we believe that North Yorkshire Police provides cost-effective, professional and appropriate facilities for the safe detention of offenders and for the management of investigations and offences.

"Some issues raised in the report were dealt with and rectified immediately, with plans in place to address other areas of feedback which will be monitored by the inspectorate over the coming months."

The inspection of North Yorkshire Police's cells, the first to be undertaken since a national programme was launched in 2008, was carried out over a four-day period in February.

Inspectors analysed 30 sample records of detainees as part of the report looking into the force's custody suites, which can accommodate up to 79 detainees – with York the largest facility with 24 cells.

The custody suites across the six police stations were used to house 22,533 detainees in the 12 months up until the end of January.

The report also identified problems with the storage and handling of DNA and forensic samples at most of the custody suites

Inspectors found that there were no contracts in place for the provision of mental health support except in Scarborough, yet custody suites were all used as designated places of safety under the Mental Health Act.

However, a protocol is due to be launched within the next few months with health agencies, including the primary care trust, NHS North Yorkshire and York, to provide mental health support.

A North Yorkshire Police spokeswoman also confirmed that the problem of ligature points had been addressed immediately, and the cells are now checked weekly. All staff now carry anti-ligature knives.

The inspection found there was a clear management structure in place in custody suites, and North Yorkshire Police was also praised for carrying out the major upgrade of its cells.

The report also praised custody staff for their respect of detainees, and noted that the cells were generally clean, well decorated and free from graffiti.

In a joint statement, Dame Anne and Mr O'Connor claimed the report identified a "generally positive picture", although they stressed an action plan needed to be drawn up to address the recommendations which had been raised.