Report on an inspection visit to police custody suites in Avon and Somerset Police

Published on: 16 May 2024

Publication types: Custody suites and Joint inspection

Police Forces: Avon and Somerset

This report describes our findings following an inspection of Avon and Somerset Police custody facilities. The inspection was conducted jointly by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January 2024. It is part of our programme of inspections covering every police custody suite in England and Wales.

The inspection assessed the effectiveness of custody services and outcomes for detained people throughout the different stages of detention. It examined the force’s approach to custody provision in relation to detaining people safely and respectfully, with a particular focus on children and vulnerable adults.

To help the force improve, we have made one recommendation to it and its police and crime commissioner. This addresses our main cause of concern.

We have also highlighted a further ten areas for improvement. These are set out in section 6 of this report.

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Police custody facilities – joint inspections