Custody Process Flow (PACE-Aligned)

1. Arrest and Presentation at Custody

• Types: Arrest with/without warrant, recall to prison, arrest on suspicion.
• Officer narrative: Arrest grounds, necessity, time of arrest.
• Initial demeanour and risk presentation.

2. Detention Acceptance or Refusal

• Custody Sergeant decision: Grounds for detention (PACE Code G).
• Refusal scenarios: Unlawful arrest, unfit for detention, voluntary interview alternative.

3. Booking-In Process

• Identification confirmation.
• Checks: PNC, wanted, bail, ViSOR, alerts.
• Link to investigation(s) or start new record.
• Initiate custody record (electronic or paper).

4. Vulnerability & Special Considerations

• Juvenile Detainees: Need for Appropriate Adult.
• Mental Health/Substance Use: Liaison & Diversion, hospital protocol if unfit.
• Suicide/Self-Harm Risk: Use of PER and ongoing risk assessment.
• Flags: Disability, gender identity, neurodiversity, repeat detainee concerns.

5. Legal and Procedural Rights

• Rights explained (PACE Code C): legal advice, silence, Code booklets.
• Solicitor informed/contacted.
• Notification of a nominated person.
• Appropriate Adult arrangements.
• Interpreter if needed (foreign language or hearing impaired).

6. Search and Property Procedures

• Search levels: Standard, Strip, Intimate (with relevant authorisation).
• Recording: Property logged, sealed, and stored.
• Removal of dangerous or prohibited items.

7. Custody Risk Assessment & Observation

• Initial and dynamic risk assessments.
• Observation Levels: Standard, Rousable, Constant/Enhanced.
• Cell Allocation: Gender, age, vulnerability, doubling-up risk.
• Cleanliness and suitability check before allocation.

8. In-Cell Management

• Cell Visit Logging: Frequency and detail of checks, interactions, mood changes.
• Food and Drink: Offered, accepted/declined, time and type recorded.
• Visitor Recording: Solicitors, Appropriate Adults, medical professionals, interpreters.

9. Prisoner Processing

• Fingerprints (Livescan), DNA, photographs (PACE s61–65).
• Descriptive record: scars, marks, tattoos.
• Forms: MG/DD (disposal), biometric consent (where required).

10. PACE Reviews and Time Limits

• Inspector reviews (after 6 hours, then every 9).
• Authority to detain (extension to 36/96 hours).
• Documentation and legal representation during reviews.

11. Hospital and Medical Protocols

• Unfit for detention: transfer to A&E.
• Escorting arrangements, legal status while at hospital.
• Medical treatment in custody: Custody Nurse Practitioner or Forensic Medical Examiner (FME).

12. Bail or Remand Decisions

• Outcomes: Released under investigation, conditional/unconditional bail, charge and remand.
• Pre-charge bail considerations under Policing and Crime Act 2017.
• Notification to victims if conditions affect safeguarding.

13. Transfer to Court or Prison

• Escort: Booking with approved service (GeoAmey etc.).
• Handover: Prisoner Escort Record (PER), charge sheet, custody record, property.
• Risk flags carried forward.

14. Disposal and Release from Custody

• Return of property, final risk assessment.
• Directions: Court date, further interview, bail return date.
• Referrals: Mental health, substance misuse, safeguarding.

15. Audit, Review & Continuous Improvement

• Custody record review for completeness and compliance.
• Thematic inspection readiness (HMICFRS).
• Learning from incidents: deaths in custody, near misses.