The Introduction of Custody Detention Scrutiny Panels (CDSPs) – A Guide for Police & Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables

This guide has been developed jointly with the National Police Chiefs Council and the APCC for Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to support the development of independent custody detention scrutiny panels (CDSP) across England and Wales. It follows high level public incidents concerning police custody which has negatively impacted trust in police custody services.

The primary objective of the CDSP is to independently:

• Assess and report on detention and custody processes.
• Review and advise on matters of disproportionality. 
• Assist in generating a transparent product suitable for public consideration at the end of each annual Panel cycle.

Within the guide, there are useful advice and recommendations to support the development of the CDSP, such as:

• Governance arrangements.
• Suggested panel membership.
• The remit and scope of the panel.
• Panel outputs.