§ Mr. Wattsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the effective loss of police manpower at the rank of sergeant as a result of the custody officer requirements of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (a) in England and (b) in Thames Valley.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe 1984 Act is intended to be broadly neutral in resource terms, and although extra sergeants may in some instances be required to ensure that the custody officer functions are properly carried out, there will be scope for offsetting savings. For example, some custody officers may be able to combine responsibility for the detention and treatment of arrested persons with other supervisory or administrative duties, and it may be possible to transfer to constables some duties hitherto carried out by sergeants. Police authorities and chief officers are aware that consideration will be given to any applications for adjustments in police establishments to help them meet the custody officer requirements. My right hon. Friend and I are today meeting representatives of the170W Thames Valley Police Authority and the chief constable to discuss the authority's recent application for an increase in the establishment of the force.