Please can you tell us why you think children need a specific approach in police custody? 

The MPS recognises that children and young people are a protected group with specific vulnerabilities. Arrest and detention of children must only be used as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time. The custody environment can be a stressful and traumatic experience for children and the changes that have been made at Wood Green custody suite have enabled us to better meet the needs of children.

What is it that you are doing differently at Wood Green in terms of the environment for children? 

There have been many changes that have been made at Wood Green custody suite. These include a separate booking-in room specifically for children. This allows custody staff to ensure that the environment is as calm as possible and also minimises any distractions. There have been many aesthetic improvements in the suite including painting the walls of the booking-in area and detention rooms in a calming green colour. A blackboard can also be found in the detention rooms and children can be provided with liquid chalk in order to draw. One of the interview rooms contains comfortable chairs in order to create a less formal and daunting environment.

The below is some impressive art work left on one of the chalk boards by a child in our suite at Wood Green.

Another example of the success of a chalk board was where a child who had been placed on a constant supervision, asked to play noughts and crosses with the officers. This allowed the child to remain calm, engage with officers and made the whole experience less stressful on himself and others.

What is it that you are doing differently in terms of the custody process at your suites? 

All children are now provided with a solicitor/legal representation unless they specifically opt out while supported by an Appropriate Adult. Custody staff ensure that the local authority where the child resides is contacted within the first hour of the child arriving in custody. This is known as ‘Op Harbinger’ and is an information exchange between the Police and Local authority with regards to safeguarding the child. The Custody Support Inspector carries out a review of the child’s detention within the first 3 hours. This allows elevated levels of support and supervision and helps ensure that the investigation is progressing expeditiously. Children are also offered distraction items (such as foam footballs) that have been shown to improve outcomes and promote de-escalation.

Can you go into a bit more detail about the AA provision in your suite? How does this work?

Any child under the age of 18 will require an appropriate adult in custody. This is an adult who can assist them during the custody process. In the first instance a parent/guardian/carer/family member should be contacted by Custody Staff and they should be asked to attend the suite without delay. If this is not possible custody staff at Wood Green will contact TAAS (The Appropriate Adult Scheme) from the local authority where the child resides.

Can you share with us some of the challenges and successes you have had since adopting this new approach for children? 

The changes that have been introduced at Wood Green custody have been met positively by children, Appropriate Adults and other visitors alike. With creating a space specifically for children, Wood Green custody suite provides an environment where youth justice is complied with whilst prioritising the needs and wellbeing of the child.  A ‘Children’s guide to custody’ has also been created by Officers in Met Detention in collaboration with educational specialists. The guide explains the custody process and is to be given to every child arrested and detained in a custody suite. It is a document which is considerate of a child’s needs, compliant with PACE and incorporates features suitable for children with dyslexia or autism.

Anything else you would like to say? 

Police often have to balance the needs of the criminal justice system whilst ensuring that a child appropriate, rights-compliant, youth justice system is achieved. We must ensure that children’s dignity and wellbeing is prioritised and the positive changes that have been made at Wood Green custody suite will go a long way towards achieving this.