CAT/OP/GBR/CSPRO/1 145. Application of Code C, the College APP and the Police Custody Design Guide are operational matters for individual forces. 146. The report referenced areas of concern in some specific forces. Following inquiry, Merseyside noted that the station inspected has not been used for many years as it is no longer designated as PACE-compliant, and hence does not reflect the standard of custody accommodation used in the inspected area where all cells have access to natural light. GMP made a similar observation as requirements for natural light have been in place in their force since 2000. All cells in their area have light tubes in the ceilings which provide access to natural light. City of London Police acknowledged issues which relate to design of the existing estate, noting that although the majority of cells have access to some natural light it is restricted, and cannot be amended due to the building’s configuration. However, the force is constructing an exercise yard which will allow access to natural light and is due to be completed within the next few weeks. There are further plans for new custody facilities which will be designed in compliance with the Police Custody Design Guide, including the provision of natural light, although it will be some time before this can be built. Scotland 147. A number of cells within Police Scotland Custody Estate have access to natural light via glass blocks sited within the walls if they are exterior to the building. However, due to the design of some buildings, cells have interior corridors and therefore do not have this facility. 148. Due to the reduced time persons remain in police custody and the fact they attend court the next lawful day, therefore do not remain in police custody for excessive lengths of time, their access to exercise etc. is different in comparison to that provided when within Scottish Prison Service Establishments. Referencing the recommendation around improving inadequacies in police stations, two major projects have seen recent advancements within separate Custody Suites. Govan has seen distraction devices implemented, with chalkboard paint on the wall for custodies to doodle with chalk. Detainees are supplied with mindfulness colouring sheets and crayons, jigsaws or foam footballs/tennis balls. In addition to this, there has been an increase in the number of showers being offered, with toiletries being provided by a charity. 149. London Road Police Station is under construction with expected operating date in late March 2021. This will see the introduction of 6 designated children cells, not among the adult section and the introduction of two shower rooms which will improve the facilities for persons held in custody. A discreet charge bar has been built which will afford children and certain persons’ privacy when being processed in/out of custody. 150. There are other additional schemes ongoing to demonstrate partnership commitment to assist persons in police custody: • Link workers in Inverness (currently working remotely); • Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) in Kittybrewster (currently working remotely); • Crisis Intervention Workers starting in Fraserburgh Custody Centre in March/April 2021; • Arrest referral Service being explored for Dundee Custody centre; • Trial of NHS Near Me video conferencing facilities to enable remote video medical consultations to take place – trial due to start in 7 custody centres across the force in March 2021; • Custody Peer Mentors introduced in Glasgow. 151. The current policy regarding washing, advises that:- “where an arrested person is to be detained in custody for more than a full day, they should be offered facilities to wash and / or shave at least once per day. Any reasonable requests to wash and / or shave more often than this are to be met, where possible. Facilities are also to be made available to a person to wash and shave if they wish, prior to appearing in court.” In 23