Blackstone's Custody Officer's Manual

This new, updated 2nd edition of the popular "Blackstone's Custody Officers' Manual" provides a practical companion for trainee and established custody officers, containing all relevant legislation together with interpretations of the areas of the Codes of Practice that are most commonly misunderstood. It offers a comprehensive treatment of all the elements of the custody officer's role, highlighting common problem areas and offering practical guidance. Professionals involved in the criminal justice system will be acutely aware of the ever-changing legislation that governs the reception, treatment and welfare of people detained at police stations. From the introduction of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, through to the Human Rights Act 1998 and more recently, the Police Reform Act 2002, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the Serious Organized Crime and Police Act 2005, new Acts of Parliament have been introduced to reach a balance between protecting the rights of individuals, protecting the public from serious harm and professionalizing the police service.
As a result, increasing pressure is placed on custody officers, police inspectors and superintendents to reach appropriate decisions in relation to detainees. Practitioners face the threat of personal litigation and their decision-making is tested regularly in both the criminal and civil courts. The new edition has been fully updated to include changes as a result of the Serious Organized Crime and Police Act 2005 such as the civilization of the custody officer. New cases, facts and figures and more Home Office circulars have been added to ensure the book is fully up-to-date. This book provides advice relating to all aspects of the detainees at police stations, and interprets the recent changes made to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the accompanying Codes of Practice, which came into force in January 2006. It should be seen as an essential reference material for future and existing custody officers, inspectors, and superintendents. The book will also be useful to training providers and to the private industry entering the criminal justice system in this area.