Home Office circular 034 / 2007
Safety of solicitors and probationary representatives at police stations
- Broad subject: Police service
- Issue date: Fri Nov 30 00:00:00 GMT 2007
- From:
Crime Reduction and Community Safety Group (CRCSG) - Policing Policy and Operations, Police Powers and Protection Unit (PPPU) - Linked circulars:
No linked circulars - Copies sent to:
Health and Safety Executive, Public Service Sector, Bar Council, Law Society, Criminal Law Solicitors Association, Institute of Legal Executives, Legal Services Commission (Criminal Defence Service), Ministry of Justice
- Sub category: Police custody, police stations
- Implementation date: Fri Nov 30 00:00:00 GMT 2007
- For more info contact:
Brian Roberts
Tel: 020 7035 0906
- Addressed to:
Chief Officers of Police, Chairs and Clerks of Police Authorities
Introduction
The annex to this circular covers:
- the need for ongoing risk assessment when solicitors are working at the police station and engaging with detained persons
- the roles and responsibilities of police and solicitors
- information exchange and the development of a working protocol at local level, and
- facilities for consultation.
Reason for guidance
2. A number of incidents have been brought to the attention of the Home Office and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), highlighting the actual and potential risks faced by solicitors particularly when carrying out private consultations with their clients in the custody area. HSE advise that the level of risk has on occasions been serious and of significant concern.
Clearance of circular
3. This circular has been issued following discussions with the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Bar Council, the Law Society, Criminal Law Solicitors Association, ILEX and the Health and Safety Executive.
Existing guidance
4. The annex to this circular should be read in conjunction with Section 2 of the guidance on The Safer Detention and Handling of Persons in Police Custody (new window)
Local protocols
5. The Annex provides guidance on the arrangements for the safety and security of the custody suite. It is a matter for local consideration whether this should be formally integrated into a working protocol with the force or local BCU Commander and defence solicitors. You should consider whether such protocols should be drawn up in consultation with the force's own health and safety adviser, who will be familiar with the requirements of relevant health and safety legislation.
Alan Brown
Head of Police Powers and Procedures
Policing Powers and Protection Unit
Home Office
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