New lease of life for cells
Tuesday, 06 January, 2009
While longer term plans for the refurbishment of the cells at an Essex station are progressing, local officers have begun using a new, 'surgery'-style, system to interview offenders and unlock the potential of the custody area.
Under previous management it was decided that once Saffron Walden station lost its ability to house prisoners for up to 24 hours and beyond, and that all arrested persons under the influence of alcohol or vulnerable in any way must be taken to a station with a fully functional and permanently staffed custody area, then all prisoners should go to Braintree police station.
Current managers have determined that, for occasions where time in custody is likely to be short, a great deal of time can be saved by dealing with them locally.
The first day of this innovative new approach saw 14 offenders interviewed. This resulted in ten detections, with six charges and eight people being bailed pending further enquiries. In all, more than 100 hours of police time was saved, enabling officers to be deployed on the streets of Uttlesford District.
District commander, Chief Inspector Joe Wrigley, said, "I have been planning to implement this 'surgery' approach to using our custody since I arrived and, with great support from my staff, have been able to achieve it. This will enable us to deliver a better service to the communities we police, and a more efficient service to those unfortunate enough to be the victims of crime."
