The Authority continues to have a measurable positive effect on Police custodial processes and procedures. This has been achieved through consistent engagement with Police in certain Districts in relation to particular incidents in Police custody, and through engagement with Police National Headquarters and OPCAT site visits. The Authority also applies an OPCAT perspective to its independent investigations and reviews. While independent investigations and reviews are a separate statutory function of the Authority, the human rights principles and standards applied in the OPCAT context are equally relevant to the Authority’s general oversight role. 4 That the government should work to ensure that the number of children and young persons detained in Police cells is kept to a minimum, and never on an overnight basis. 5 That additional funding is provided to improve the condition of Court cells throughout the country so that they meet international minimum standards. Ministry of Justice The Authority has had a series of discussions with Ministry personnel resulting in an accelerated programme of remediation of court cells across the whole of New Zealand. NPMs The Authority continued to work closely with other NPMs. It remains committed to working with NPMs on reviewing its prevention methodologies and identifying avenues for further development. Goals for the next 5 years 1 The need to ensure that the funding provided for this work is maintained at a level that meets international expectations of New Zealand 2 That the government should continue to work towards ensuring that there are adequate processes and facilities for non-offenders who experiencing a mental health crisis and that they are not detained in Police cells for monitoring or assessment unless they present a risk to the safety of others. 3 That the government should develop policies and facilities and transport arrangements so as to ensure that defendants remanded in custody by the courts are not kept in Police cells, and that such cells are not used as a means of coping with prison overcrowding. 29

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