Low numbers of children moved from custody to accommodation

The constabulary manages its custody services across two suites at Parkside in Cambridge and Thorpe Wood in Peterborough

Cambridgeshire Police said it prioritised diverting children and young people from custody, despite difficulties moving them into alternative accommodation.

A report into the effectiveness of custody services in Peterborough and Cambridge found despite police requests, the local authority did not move many children.

It added the constabulary’s approach to detainee care was good and it had even introduced an early contact process to get the best outcomes for detained children.

Cambridgeshire County Council said there were many reasons why requested accommodation was not always possible, one being that secure accommodation was managed at a national level.

When children are charged and remanded into custody, they should be moved to alternative accommodation arranged through the local authority while they wait to appear in court.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said: "Despite the constabulary’s work with the local authority to improve the provision of alternative accommodation, progress has been limited since our last inspection.

"The senior leadership team scrutinises the overnight detention of children."

In the year up to 29 February 2024, 48 children were charged and refused bail.

Of those, 33 requests were made to the local authority for accommodation and two children were moved.

The inspectorate said it was a "poor outcome for children", but praised the police forces recently introduced golden-hour checks aimed to maximise the chances of obtaining alternative accommodation for remanded children.

It added: "Cambridgeshire Constabulary clearly prioritises diverting children and vulnerable adults away from custody.

"Front-line officers and custody personnel understand this and work to achieve it where possible."

The Care Quality Commission and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, who created the report, also recommended the constabulary improve some facilities.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: "We are pleased there are no causes for concern, but accept the areas of improvement that we can make to ensure the experience of those detained in custody is positive.

"Work is already underway to address the areas for improvement raised... we recognise the limitations of our custody estate, and work has already begun on the new police station in Milton."

The force said putting children and young people in custody was "always a last resort" and custody staff made immediate contact with children’s social services and the multi-agency safeguarding hub to get the best outcomes for children.

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson said ensuring children do not spend time in police custody unnecessarily was a priority and it had emergency beds to be offered to those children.

"There are many reasons why it isn't always possible to provide the requested accommodation. Secure accommodation in particular is managed at a national level, not a local one and the shortage of provision is a challenge nationally.

"We meet with Cambridgeshire Constabulary each month to monitor and analyse the existing accommodation provision. We’re committed to continuing to work with them to ensure the right accommodation for children in custody is always requested at the earliest opportunity."

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said it also took safeguarding children and young people very seriously.

"As a council, we work closely with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to ensure that children who are in police custody are transferred to suitable accommodation as soon as possible. We also have our own emergency duty foster bed.

"We continue to work in partnership with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to minimise the time that children spend in police custody as well as improving practice and procedures to ensure that we meet the needs of these vulnerable children."