§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent analysis he has made of the extent to which police custody suites are being used for(a) those who are mentally ill or held for their own protection and (b) the drunk and disorderly. [1446761
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeI am not aware that there has been any recent analysis of the extent to which police custody suites are being used for such purposes.
Where mentally ill persons are held at police stations for their own protection they should be interviewed and examined by a social worker and a registered medical practitioner as soon as possible so that suitable arrangements can be made for their treatment or care.
There are special requirements for custody staff to make more frequent visits to those who are drunk and they must be roused and spoken to on each visit. Some alternatives to police custody for holding drunken persons exist in a few areas and those who are severely inebriated will often be taken straight to hospital.