Event Reports 2006
CUSTODY UNIT OPEN DAY
19th November 2006
Durranhill, Carlisle
Cumbria Constabulary opened the doors of its new Carlisle Custody Unit to the public during national Inside Justice Week 2006. The Open Day event gave the police a great opportunity to show local people behind-the- scenes of this first class development, built to replace the old custody facilities that were lost as a consequence of the major floods in the centre of the city during January 2005.
Photo: Small groups of the public were given guided tours by police officers
Partner agencies within the Cumbria criminal justice system were also invited to attend as part of Inside Justice Week, and there were stands and staff supplied by National Probation Service-Cumbria, Cumbria Youth Offending Service, Victim Support Cumbria and the Cumbria Criminal Justice Board. In addition, Macmillan Nurses held a mini charity lock-in and also ran a refreshments stall in aid of funds.
Photo: A member of National Probation Service staff explains the work of the agency
A number of displays and demonstrations were provided by the police. These included electronic fingerprinting and 'Promat', which is a replacement system for the traditional identification parade using the latest technology. Outside the Unit, a mobile safety camera van was opened up for inspection.
Photo: PC Philip Robbins, Identification Officer, demonstrates the Promat system
Photo: Mobile safety camera van operated on behalf of the Cumbria Casualty Reduction Partnership
Around 300 people came through the doors on the day, and as far as we know, they all left again afterwards! The Criminal Justice Board stand was busy giving away freebies and literature, and no one escaped without a glowing orange carrier bag.
Photo: Members of the public are shown to the cells in 'B Wing' of the Custody Unit
CHARITY LOCK-IN AT NEW CUSTODY UNIT
13th/14th November 2006
Durranhill, Carlisle
A number of members of the Cumbria Criminal Justice Board, along with other prominent local justice figures, spent a night in custody - but all for a good cause. In aid of local charities, they kindly volunteered to experience the isolation and deprivations of the cells (hard beds, thin pillows, no privacy, etc). There was some trepidation beforehand as the volunteers were led into the new £4.5m state-of-the-art Carlisle Custody Unit, leaving home comforts and familiar surroundings behind them.
Photo: Board Chairman, Mike Maiden, resists the attempts of Chief Supt. Andy Davidson to book him in to custody
Those taking part were: His Honour Judge Batty; Robin Burgess (High Sheriff of Cumbria); Clive Chatterton (Governor, HMP Haverigg); Simon Evans (Area Director, HMCS); Yvonne Lake (Head of Service, Cumbria YOS); Claire Lindley (Chief Crown Prosecutor, Cumbria); Mike Maiden (Chief Officer, National Probation Service, Cumbria); ACC Neil Rhodes (Cumbria Constabulary).
Photo: The 'offenders' line up to enter their cells
The event attracted excellent local press, TV and radio coverage, both on the evening of the booking-in and the morning after, as tired and slightly dishevelled figures emerged from their incarceration. Acting Deputy Chief Constable, Graham Sunderland, was on hand in the morning to serve the standard microwave breakfast – a gourmet feast. Although there were several sleepless nights, all the volunteers seemed to derive some positive reflections from the experience. However, there were no takers for a second night!
Although sponsorship money is still coming in, it is believed that a sum of several thousand pounds has been raised to help the Great North Air Ambulance and the High Sheriff's Charity. Grateful thanks go to all who took part and those responsible for setting up the event, especially the people working frantically to have the venue prepared in time. The Official opening of the Unit takes place on 20th November and it is expected that it will be able to take its first batch of 'real customers' shortly afterwards.
The event was also used to flag up Inside Justice Week.
Photo: ACC Neil Rhodes is questioned by two independent lay visitors to ensure that there has been no maltreatment during his stay
PUTTING VICTIMS AND WITNESSES FIRST
23rd March 2006
Castle Green Hotel, Kendal
In anticipation of the imminent national launch of the Victim's Code of Practice, Cumbria Criminal Justice Board held an important event focussed on the needs of victims and witnesses. Titled 'Putting Victims and Witnesses First', the seminar also gave delegates the opportunity to catch up with progress at the Cumbria Witness Care Unit, and also hear about the proposed Witness Charter that is scheduled for roll-out in 2007. The event was rounded off by a presentation on the work of Victim Support Cumbria.
Photo: Mike Maiden, Chairman of the Cumbria Criminal Justice Board, welcomes delegates and introduces the session
Local speakers included Inspector Jayne Hall from Cumbria Constabulary Criminal Justice Unit, Charles Leyberg from the Crown Prosecution Service, Paul Bradley from the Criminal Justice Board and Dee Taylor from Victim Support. Additionally, we were delighted that Nick Poyntz from OCJR Victims and Confidence Unit was able to join us and talk about the new Code.
Photo: Paul Bradley, CJB Business Manager, introduces the Witness Charter
The seminar was well attended, with a number of questions raised and some useful discussion of the issues involved.
Photo: Speakers and Board Members take questions
The presentation Powerpoint slides are available for download as a PDF document via our 'Downloads' page.