The Policing and Crime Act repeals provisions for civilian custody officers

20 November 2009

   

John Giblin, Chairman of the Sergeants’ Central Committee of the Police Federation of England and Wales, says:

“We are delighted that the Policing and Crime Act given Royal Assent on 12th November finally puts paid to the introduction of civilian staff custody officers. Nationally and locally the Police Federation of England and Wales has campaigned hard to ensure that the vitally important role of custody officer remains with experienced, professional police sergeants. Together with the Federation’s National Custody Forum and other bodies such as the Police Superintendents’ Association, Liberty and the Law Society, we were concerned that planned changes contained in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act in 2005 could have seen the custodian of PACE handed to inexperienced non-sworn police staff.

“Following successful lobbying by the Federation, then Police Minister Tony McNulty acknowledged that management of custody suites should remain with police sergeants and gave an assurance that the legislation to implement staff custody officers would be reversed in statute at the earliest opportunity. Today is that day; this is a decision for common sense and will ensure the future safety and wellbeing of the public.”

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