Update briefing on Project Herald

02/10
5 February 2010
MPA briefing paper 02/2010

Author: Jane Owen, Policing Planning Performance Improvement Unit, MPA

This briefing paper has been prepared to inform members and staff. It is not a committee report and no decisions are required.

Background

This briefing paper was produced following reference to the project at recent committee meetings and following a question at Mayor’s Question Time.

Project Herald is intended to create a more streamlined approach to the staffing of custody suites. Its focus is on improving safety for detainees, efficiency and public confidence and satisfaction in the criminal justice system. The principle is that more appropriate use of resources will enhance the quality of service, increase cell availability and reduce delays occurring within custody processes.

Designated Detention Officer Inputters

By 2013 there will be 915 Designated Detention Officers (DDOs) carrying out computer in-putting on behalf of Custody Officers, enhancing the Custody Officers’ ability to supervise. Work to improve the custody environment and processes such as the charging and drink drive procedures is underway to complement this change in custody roles.

The DDO Inputter role is currently being introduced into 15 boroughs, with a further seven to be rolled out from April 2010. The rollout was delayed in 2009 to allow for the introduction of Virtual Courts into South East London. Whilst there has been a delay in providing the full allocated number of DDOs, it is anticipated that the project will be on track by summer 2010. The introduction of DDOs into boroughs will be balanced by reductions to the Authorised Workforce Target in respect of sergeants and constables over a four-year period and takes account of the funding provided by the Home Office in respect of the Drugs Intervention Project.

Custody Nurse Practitioners

By 2012 there will be 198 Custody Nurse Practitioners (CNPs), deployed to primary custody suites, and eight CNP Area Managers who will deliver enhanced forensic healthcare within a multidisciplinary team.

CNPs have been deployed to Belgravia, Charing Cross, Croydon and Lewisham custody suites, undertaking 96% of the existing healthcare workload and providing immediate medical assistance to detainees and other custody users. In addition the introduction of Patient Group Directions allows CNPs to dispense some medication. CNPs will be deployed to Tower Hamlets and Islington custody suites on 22nd March and to the boroughs of Newham and Redbridge in May 2010.

The length of post-selection processes, including vetting, has led to delays in deployment of CNPs, as well as causing a number of candidates to withdraw from the process.

A Director of Nursing has been appointed to provide professional leadership and develop a culture of high quality forensic healthcare in custody.

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