Herts Police's custody service has been told "urgent attention" is needed to address concerns over use of force in custody.

An unannounced inspection was done in April to assess the effectiveness of police custody and the outcomes for detained people.

Inspectors had two main concerns: lack of oversight over use of force, and anti-rip clothing continues to be used frequently and sometimes appears “punitive or pre-emptive” and a disproportionate response to managing risks.

Among some reviewed incidents of concern were clothing being forcibly removed from detainees and the use of incapacitant spray.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Hertfordshire Constabulary has made improvements in its custody services. Credit: PAHertfordshire Constabulary has made improvements in its custody services. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

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When last inspected in 2015, 43 recommendations were made, and the latest report reveals that the force has since achieved 33 of them.

Herts Police was told that while its custody service had improved, more changes were still needed.

The report reads: “Hertfordshire Constabulary can’t show that when force is used, it is necessary, justified and proportionate.

“Information to show how often and what force is used, and by which officers, is often missing or inaccurate.”

It was recommended that anti-rip clothing should only be used as a last resort and that detainee dignity should be maintained when clothing is removed.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Two areas of concern were highlightedTwo areas of concern were highlighted (Image: PA)

Assistant chief officer Cat Hemmings said that “work is already underway” to "swiftly" address the problems highlighted.

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The report was done by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

The assistant chief officer added: “We welcome the HMICFRS custody inspection which recognises that Hertfordshire Constabulary cares well for detainees and provides a safe and respectful custody service. 

“We are also pleased that the report acknowledges our progress since the last inspection and notes the particular care we take to divert children and vulnerable adults from custody.”

The service also has a good healthcare structure to care for those with mental health issues, according to Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Roy Wilsher.