Recommendation 1
The IOPC recommends that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) explores the options, to include making an audio-recording, to ensure the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice are accessible in custody for detained persons with sight impairment. Any consideration of this learning recommendation should involve engagement with people or organisations with experience of visual impairments.
This follows a review of a complaint handled other than investigation where a complainant, with sight impairment, was detained in custody.
Although the complainant was offered the Police and Criminal Evidence 1984 Codes of Practice in braille, this person was unable to use this. Many visually impaired people do not read braille so this is often not an appropriate solution.
The relevant custody staff suggested to the complainant that he could discuss his concerns with an Appropriate Adult. The complainant, however, asked for the Codes of Practice to be read out to him in custody or for an audio-recording of the Codes of Practice. These options were not agreed to because 1) of the practicalities of a Detention Officer reading the Codes of Practice and 2) the Metropolitan Police Service does not have an audio-recording of the Codes of Practice that the complainant could listen to.
The Metropolitan Police Service may wish to consider whether the latter option, or other options are viable, to ensure that a person with sight impairment can access the Codes of Practice.
Do you accept the recommendation?
Yes
Addressed to: Metropolitan Police Service
Linked bodies:
Metropolitan Police Service