Commissioner thanks volunteers during custody detention scrutiny panel

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has praised the role of volunteers who scrutinise policing in the county, through the independent panels that his office supports, as he spoke at the latest custody detention scrutiny panel.

The custody detention scrutiny panel looks at all elements of custody from staffing and arrest data to incidents in custody and how they are addressed

Made up of members of the public and independent from the police, the panel’s role is to ask questions around performance and give feedback to Lancashire Constabulary. Panel members come from all walks of life with some also serving as Independent Custody Visitors who check on the welfare of detainees during unannounced visits to custody suites.

Statistics at the meeting also highlighted that there had been no use of anti-rip clothing due to improving management of detainees, in the first three months of 2026.

Speaking at the quarterly meeting he attended to observe and thank those taking part, the Commissioner talked about the importance of panels like this to ensuring public trust and confidence and delivering the police service the people of Lancashire deserve.

He said:

“Custody is so important, and is the first point of contact for those after arrest, with often those coming into custody being some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Alongside our Independent Custody Visitors, this panel plays a key role in making sure Lancashire’s custody suites are as safe as possible, treating people humanely and focusing on de-escalation as officers and staff deliver justice.”

This is just one of the committees that assists Commissioner Grunshaw in his scrutiny work, with the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel also meeting in recent weeks, reviewing police records and body-worn video footage of stop and search incidents across the county.

Speaking about his scrutiny panels more widely, the Commissioner added:

“Being open and honest with the public is central to the work my Office does to ensure people across Lancashire receive the best possible policing service, feel confident reporting crimes, and trust that they will receive justice.”

The Commissioner’s thanks to volunteers involved in scrutiny panels and other schemes such as the Independent Custody Visitors, was highlighted during National Volunteers’ Week.