Recent evaluations by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) highlight the strengths and areas needing improvement in the Hertfordshire Constabulary's handling of detainee care.
The inspectorates recognize the police force's effective care for detainees and commend its efforts to redirect children and vulnerable adults from custody.
Concerns Over Use of Force and Risk Management
Despite these positive notes, HMICFRS and HMIP have identified significant concerns regarding risk management by the Hertfordshire Constabulary.
A noteworthy critique involves the lack of proper oversight in the application of force, raising questions about the necessity, justification, and proportionality of its use in specific incidents. Additionally, the frequent application of anti-rip clothing is seen as punitive or excessively cautious, rather than a balanced approach to risk management.
Recommendations for Improvement
Alongside the primary concerns, thirteen additional areas requiring betterment were also identified
Addressing these issues, the inspectorates have put forth several recommendations aimed at enhancing practices concerning detainee care.
Alongside the primary concerns, thirteen additional areas requiring betterment were also identified. Improvements are urged especially in areas where past recommendations from the 2015 inspection have yet to be fully implemented.
Remarks from Her Majesty’s Inspector
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Roy Wilsher, emphasized the importance of fair and safe treatment for those in custody. “Anyone detained in custody should be treated fairly and kept safe from harm,” he stated.
Wilsher acknowledged the constabulary's effective governance and collaboration with healthcare and partner agencies but noted, “Some of the recommendations from our last inspection in 2015 have not been achieved or have only partly been achieved, leaving some important areas of custody requiring urgent attention – including use of force and anti-rip clothing. These are now causes of concern. We will continue to monitor the force's progress to ensure all detainees are kept safe.”
