Stress balls in cells among custody unit changes

The force worked with mental health and youth justice teams to improve its custody unit

Stress balls in cells and rural photos on the walls have been used by a police force to improve its custody facilities.

Warwickshire Police worked with mental health and youth justice teams on the site which also includes a child friendly green room.

The improvements by its staff have been highlighted by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) which named them their custody team of the year.

Sgt Colin Richardson said they wanted “to make sure that people are looked after and we get through the process successfully without any huge dramas or issues”.

The award came from the National Police Chiefs’ Council

Other recent changes include a small library for those they've arrested.

In giving the award in September, the NPCC praised the team's work to make sure staff were neurodiverse-aware, treated all those in custody as individuals and provided proper care.

Sgt Richardson added that some people might react “negatively” to being held in custody “but we are looking after people while they’re in here and we will endeavour to make sure people are okay at all times".