Comments on: New Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody http://www.lordtobyharris.org.uk/new-independent-advisory-panel-on-deaths-in-custody/ Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:27:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Terence Lewis http://www.lordtobyharris.org.uk/new-independent-advisory-panel-on-deaths-in-custody/comment-page-1/#comment-494 Terence Lewis Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:22:55 +0000 http://www.lordtobyharris.org.uk/?p=141#comment-494 I have been involved for some years in work to support the improvement of mental health services in the CJT. There is still a way to go, but progress has been made, albeit slowly. Deaths in custody can occur for many reasons but mental illness is often a significant contributor. So here our paths cross and I wish you and your collegues every success in the important work you are undertaking. I have been involved for some years in work to support the improvement of mental health services in the CJT. There is still a way to go, but progress has been made, albeit slowly. Deaths in custody can occur for many reasons but mental illness is often a significant contributor. So here our paths cross and I wish you and your collegues every success in the important work you are undertaking.

]]> By: nick colbourne http://www.lordtobyharris.org.uk/new-independent-advisory-panel-on-deaths-in-custody/comment-page-1/#comment-98 nick colbourne Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:14:05 +0000 http://www.lordtobyharris.org.uk/?p=141#comment-98 Congratulations and good luck with your appointment. Many years ago I worked as a PC in a Custody suite. Custody Deaths were the Sword of Damocles hanging over each and every one of us every minute of the day. Most worryingly was that a Death was used by management to threaten officers that should such an event occur, it would mean career end too. Clearly that isn't the case, some people die in custody just as if they were sitting in a chair at home. However the attitude that filtered down would have meant an alienation towards anyone investigating such an occurrence and hardly have been beneficial to any party. A failure to appreciate that your role can also exonerate officers needs to be overcome quickly. Again congratulations nick Congratulations and good luck with your appointment.
Many years ago I worked as a PC in a Custody suite. Custody Deaths were the Sword of Damocles hanging over each and every one of us every minute of the day. Most worryingly was that a Death was used by management to threaten officers that should such an event occur, it would mean career end too. Clearly that isn’t the case, some people die in custody just as if they were sitting in a chair at home. However the attitude that filtered down would have meant an alienation towards anyone investigating such an occurrence and hardly have been beneficial to any party. A failure to appreciate that your role can also exonerate officers needs to be overcome quickly.

Again congratulations

nick

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