North East Leeds Policy Custody Communications

17/04/08

 "Dear Sirs

I am seeking assistance from the Law Society in relation to a project which seeks to improve communication between solicitors and custody suites situated at North East Leeds Division.

Solicitors ring the North East Leeds custody department asking for the result of their client’s detention which will have occurred over the past 48 hours. Custody
suites struggle during peak periods to assist the solicitor and this results in a further calls being generated. This method provides a weak level of communication between the police and legal advisors and causes a maximum level of disruption to custody suites.

I intend communication between solicitors and custody suites in the North East Leeds area to be professional, reliable and at the same time remove the burden of making and receiving phone calls for both parties using a sustainable method.

I simply wish for solicitors to provide the investigating officer with their e-mail address. The result of their clients detention will be provided to their e-mail address.
Only a custody reference number and the result of the case will be provided for security reasons and this is usually all that is required.

Please could you assist me by communicating the simple process to your colleagues in the Leeds area in advance of the project going live. If this is not possible, could contact details be provided to me. I would utilise the e-mail address you provide to ensure all who work within the North East Leeds area are aware of the project and to ensure the system runs efficiently.

The project will run for six months starting May 2008 and will be evaluated Aug and Nov 2008. If successful the project may be expanded over a period of time within the West Yorkshire area.

Yours sincerely





K BOOTS
Police Inspector "

 

For further information please contact michael.preston@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk