'Youth focused' custody suite launches

Young people who are arrested and taken to Middlesbrough police station will be kept in a separate cell

A "youth focused custody suite" which keeps young suspects away from adult offenders has opened.

The cell at Middlesbrough police station is separate from the rest of the custody area.

It has its own entry point and reception area and is decorated with artwork based on designs created by young people.

Head of criminal justice and custody for Cleveland Police Supt Glen Ward said it was a "more suitable environment specifically designed to support young people".

The suite was delivered and jointly funded by Cleveland Police in collaboration with the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence and Middlesbrough Council’s South Tees Youth Justice Service (YJS).

Supt Ward said it is part of a prevention-based approach to reducing crime.

"We hope to better understand the young people in our custody so the appropriate support can be provided to address their behaviour and tackle reoffending."

The suite contains artwork based on designs by young people, police said

Specialist support will also be available, with four "custody navigators" based at the station to engage with young people who have been arrested.

Head of YJS Kay Dargue said young people may be more receptive to the support offered at the "reachable and teachable moment" of entering police custody.