Code C- Care and Treatment of Detained Persons Flashcards
Q: What does Paragraph 9 Code C state?
Ensures the welfare needs of the detainee are appropriately met
Q: 9.1-9.2?
9.1 Nothing in this section prevents the police from calling an appropriate healthcare professional to examine a detainee for the purposes of obtaining evidence relating to any offence in which the detainee is suspected of being involved.
9.2 If a complaint is made by, or on behalf of, a detainee about their treatment since their arrest, or it comes to notice that a detainee may have been treated improperly, a report must be made as soon as practicable to an officer of inspector rank or above not connected with the investigation
Q: 9.3 and 9.3A
9.3 In the case of a personal whom the MHA 1983 applies, detainees should be visited at least every hour. If no reasonably foreseeable risk was identified in a risk assessment, there is no need to wake a sleeping detainee. Those suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs or both or of having swallowed drugs, or whose level of consciousness causes concern must, subject to any clinical directions given by the appropriate healthcare professional
- be visited and roused at least every half hour;
- have their condition assessed
- and clinical treatment arranged if appropriate
9.3A As soon as practicable after arrival at the police station, each detainee must be given an opportunity to speak in private with a member of the custody staff who if they wish may be of the same sex as the detainee, about any matter concerning the detainee’s personal needs relating to their health, hygiene and welfare that might affect or concern them whilst in custody. If the detainee wishes to take this opportunity, the necessary arrangements shall be made as soon as practicable. In the case of a juvenile or vulnerable person, the appropriate adult must be involved and in the case of a girl under 18.
Q: 9.3B and 9.4?
9.3B Each female detainee aged 18 or over shall be asked in private if possible and at the earliest opportunity, if they require or are likely to require any menstrual products whilst they are in custody. They must be told that they will be provided free of charge and that replacement products are available
9.4 When arrangements are made to secure clinical attention for a detainee, the custody officer must make sure all relevant information which might assist in the treatment of the detainee’s condition is made available to the responsible healthcare professional. This applies whether or not the healthcare professional asks for such information. Any officer or police staff with relevant information must inform the custody officer as soon as practicable.
Q: 9.5, 9.5A and 9.5B?
9.5 The custody officer must make sure a detainee receives appropriate clinical attention as soon as reasonably practicable if the person:
(a) appears to be suffering from physical illness;
(b) is injured;
(c) appears to be suffering from a mental disorder;
(d) appears to need clinical attention
9.5A This applies even if the detainee makes no request for clinical attention and whether or not they have already received clinical attention elsewhere. If the need for attention appears urgent, the nearest available healthcare professional or an ambulance must be called immediately
9.5B The custody officer must also consider the need for clinical attention as set out in relation to those suffering the effects of alcohol or drugs
Q: 9.9-9.10?
9.9 If a detainee is required to take or apply any medication in compliance with clinical directions prescribed before their detention, the custody officer must consult the appropriate healthcare professional before the use of the medication
9.10 No police officer may administer or supervise the self-administration of medically prescribed controlled drugs of the types and forms listed in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, Schedule 2 or 3
Q: 9.6-9.8?
9.6 When an assessment under the MH Act 1983 is to take place at a police station the custody officer must also ensure that a health care professional is present and available to the person throughout the period they are detained at the police station and that the welfare of the detainee is checked by the health professional at least once every 30 minutes and any appropriate action for the care and treatment of the detainee taken
9.7 If it appears to the custody officer, or they are told, that a person brought to a station under arrest may be suffering from an infectious disease or condition, the custody officer must take reasonable steps to safeguard the health of the detainee and others at the station. In deciding what action to take, advice must be sought from an appropriate healthcare professional.
9.8 If a detainee requests a clinical examination, an appropriate healthcare professional must be called as soon as practicable to assess the detainee’s clinical needs
Q: 9.11-9.12?
9.11 When appropriate healthcare professionals administer drugs or authorise the use of other medications, supervise their self-administration or consult with the custody officer about allowing self-administration of drugs listed in Schedule 4 or 5, it must be within current medicines legislation and the scope of practice as determined by their relevant statutory regulatory body
9.12 If a detainee has in their possession, or claims to need, medication relating to a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy or a condition of comparable potential seriousness then, the advice of the appropriate healthcare professional must be obtained.
Q: What does the observation list state?
Sets out a number of basic checks that should help determine whether a detainee needs urgent medical attention. Eg: can they be woken, respond appropriately to simple questions, can they open their eyes and can they follow a simple command.
If a welfare check causes a concern then, then a clinic treatment should be arranged if appropriate.
Q: What does the case of Watling tell us?
Officers suspect Watling, who was driving a vehicle, to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. he was arrested and took to custody. It took 3 hours for Watling to be examined by a medical professional and it was determined that he was medically incapacitated. He concluded that the male had suffered a stroke and was therefore taken to hospital.
