Joint protocol for reducing unnecessary overnight detention of children in police custody in Lincolnshire

Summary:

Lincolnshire Youth Justice Furtures4me service have worked with Lincolnshire Police to develop a policy designed to avoid the unnecessary overnight detention of children in police custody following charge. The policy sets out the legal context and need for the policy, the local authority requirements for both secure and non-secure requests for accommodation, the criteria for transfer arrangements, escalation processes and monitoring requirements.

Futures4me have carried out briefing sessions for custody staff and introduced the language of unlawful detention for children in police custody, which has been impactful in ensuring staff know the legal requirements of an overnight remand.

The policy and its implementation are reviewed on a regular basis between Future4me and the police, reviewing all children who were held overnight by the police, to check that the policy is adhered to by all parties and applying any lessons learnt.

You can find out more about the changes that have been made through the policy and its outcomes in the following presentation and you can access the full policy here.