New cell suite cuts complaints

Good design, the presence of mental health professionals and a dedicated team of Authorised Officers are the keys to a fall in complaints about treatment of people held in police custody in Christchurch.

In 2012 Professional Standards received 22 complaints or allegations against staff working in the custodial area in Christchurch: in 2013 that fell 45 percent, to 12.

The custody suite relocated in early 2013 from the earthquake-damaged Christchurch Central Police Station to a 22-cell facility designed and built following the principals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) at the new station in St Asaph Street.

Custody Sergeant Richard Chambers and Authorised Officers Coral Bowler and Fasheun Oluwasheun with Inspector Paul Fremaux in the central administration area of the custody suite. Photo: Constable Phil Little, Christchurch Forensic Photography

The open plan receiving area means staff can see each other at all times and all movements are monitored by CCTV. There are fewer confrontations and processing of prisoners is quicker. Mental health practitioners are on-site 24 hours a day under an agreement with Canterbury District Health Board and can advise staff and provide care to prisoners, many of whom have mental health or addiction problems. Training has been improved for the Authorised Officers (AOs) staffing the unit, emphasising Professional Standards and the duty of care. "The AOs are highly motivated and there's a very high standard of professionalism," says Inspector Paul Fremaux, Case Management Manager in Christchurch. "The outcome is a safer environment for prisoners and staff."

Inspector Sue Douglas, project manager for the Mental Health Team at PNHQ, says the atmosphere in the suite is one of "calm and confidence" and the feasibility of using the model elsewhere is being discussed with partner agencies.

Superintendent Sue Schwalger, National Manager Professional Standards, says prevention strategies and
lessons learned are used to improve services and enhance safety. "We want to be working with our people to keep them safe," she says.