Operation Early Dawn: 'Police stations are not prisons'

23 August 2024

‘Police stations are not prisons and our members are not prison officers’, says North Yorkshire Police Federation secretary Helen Scholefield.

Helen warned that a temporary measure to alleviate prison overcrowding could pile pressure on police officers, in particular custody officers.

Her comments come after the Government triggered Operation Early Dawn in the wake of the prison sentences handed down to scores of criminals being convicted of taking part in the recent violent disorder.

Under Operation Early Dawn, suspects will appear at a magistrates’ court only when it is confirmed a prison cell is ready for them in case they are refused bail. Until then, they will be held in a police station.

Helen, who is also North Yorkshire Police Federation’s mental health and welfare lead, said: “Police stations are not prisons and our members are not prison officers.

“Custody officers play a critical role in the judicial process, in ensuring the safe detention of people in custody, and ensuring investigations are efficient and effective.

“They are dedicated to their job and to supporting the wider criminal justice system. However, while they are highly skilled, they don’t have the training required to manage the needs and welfare of prisoners.

Operation Early Dawn

“They are already working long hours to deal with the demands being placed on them without the additional pressures that Operation Early Dawn will bring.

“It’s likely to mean cancelled leave and rest days, which will impact on members’ wellbeing. The Force needs to do all it can to ensure it protects our members’ welfare.”

Helen said the Federation was also concerned that custody officers could be operating outside the scope of section 46 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) wrote an open letter in June highlighting its concerns about keeping suspects in custody.

Helen said: “As a Federation, we appreciate there are issues around Operation Early Dawn and keeping people in custody.

Legislation

“We’re reinforcing with our members that they should operate within the law and that they can’t be lawfully ordered to work outside of the legislation.

“I would urge any officers who have concerns to contact the branch and we will be able to help and advise them.”

Phil Jones, PFEW custody lead, echoed Helen’s comments and said the Federation was ‘engaging strategically with policing partners to highlight and identify risks to our members associated with scenarios of unlawful detention in custody’.

He said: “We have been reassured through the National Police Chiefs’ Council that all forces have robust policies and procedures in place to significantly reduce instances whereby someone maybe held in custody unlawfully.

“PFEW shall continue to monitor the impact of Operation Early Dawn on our members and where appropriate challenge/hold partners to account in the interest of our members,” he added.