Custody changes planned for neurodiverse detainees

Reducing the harshness of lighting in cells is one of the changes being considered

A police custody unit is being adapted to reduce stress for neurodiverse people.

Some cells and the outdoor area of Compass House in Quedgeley, Gloucester, will be altered to better suit the needs of some detainees.

The changes will include stress ball throwing games, filtered windows to let in more natural light, and weighted blankets.

Nick Evans, Gloucestershire Police's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "We want to try and make it as calming of an environment as possible, and making these things available is acknowledging that different people's brains work in different ways."

After arrival, detainees are put in a holding bay while they wait – usually for about 20 minutes – to get booked in by a custody sergeant.

The holding room normally consists of a bench and a bright light.

But adaptations are being considered to improve the environment after conversations with independent custody visitors.

"There's not an awful lot to do once you're in the cell apart from sitting and, if you're getting into your mind about things, that can agitate people," Mr Evans said.

"We're looking at doing things like making lights less harsh, making a quieter area of the custody block and also considering different colours."

Nick Evans said funding from Gloucestershire County Council has enabled the changes

Gloucestershire Police has received funding from the county council to put a mural in the yard and some targets for stress balls to be thrown at.

A wall is being built to separate cells at the bottom of one wing from the main custody block, to make them calmer.

Distraction packs containing fidget toys, weighted blankets and ear plugs are also being considered.

"People deal with stress in different ways. Some will become violent towards staff, some will become violent towards themselves," Mr Evans said.

"We want to look after our staff and detainees so, by reducing that stress, we're looking after their welfare a little bit better."