MIDDLEWICH custody suite has been praised following a surprise inspection from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC).

A review of the purpose-built facility, which can house 35 detainees, was carried out by the HMIC in April, alongside Cheshire Police’s Runcorn and Blacon suites.

The report described detainee welfare at the suite as ‘good’ and described officers and staff at each of the suites as ‘engaged’ with senior managers actively involved in the important issue of risk management, particularly in relation to young people held in custody.

The HMIC also praised the use of video-enabled courts within the custody facilities that was introduced in 2012 which allows detainees to be managed through the initial stages of the criminal justice system swiftly.

Custody facilities were described as modern and clean, with a good standard of welfare provision for the detainees that are processed through them.

The report acknowledges that the custody facilities in Cheshire are among ‘the best they have ever seen’.

Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons, said: “Overall, Cheshire provides a good quality custody service in very good purpose-built facilities.

“This report provides a number of recommendations to assist the force and the Police and Crime Commissioner to improve policing further.

“We expect our findings to be considered in the wider context of priorities and resourcing, and for an action plan to be provided in due course.”

Areas for improvement identified in the report – including the involvement of healthcare professionals at every stage of the custody process, and the training needs of staff – are already being addressed by Cheshire Police.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said: “We welcome the findings of this report and the fact that the HMIC consider out custody facilities to be fit for purpose, providing a professional and effective service.

“Processing individuals through the criminal justice system is at the heart of what we do – and in the current climate of austerity it is important that we adopt smarter, more efficient ways of providing custody provision while still acting in the interests of justice and protecting the rights and welfare of individuals.

“Where shortfalls have been identified in the report, we have swiftly addressed the issues and implemented new procedures and processes.”