How technology is promoting transparency in police custody

Custody is one of the most complex and high-risk areas of policing, demanding transparency to build trust between police and communities.  The pressure on officers managing custody is intensifying particularly when dealing with detainees suffering from drug and alcohol issues.  Such scenarios requires rigorous control to prevent incidents and uphold standards.  Technology plays a key role, offering innovative tools that enhance accountability and protect the rights of detainees.  Technologies such as body cameras, digital logs and on-demand smart glass are revolutionising how custody operations are conducted.  They make these operations more transparent and accountable.

The impact of body cameras

Body cameras are fundamental to enhancing police accountability, offering unbiased records of police-public interactions. In custody environments, these devices are instrumental in documenting the treatment of detainees and ensuring adherence to standard procedures. Notably, in the UK the first body-worn cameras (BWC) were introduced to law enforcement in 2005 in Devon and Cornwall. The Metropolitan Police also ran trials in the West of the UK that year. The use of BWC has since become standard for UK police officers and is also used worldwide, enhancing transparency in police custody and reinforcing public confidence in policing.

Digital custody logs

Similarly, digital logs enhance transparency in police custody by offering a detailed, real-time account of a detainee’s journey, from admission to release. These records, which include details like time of entry, cell checks and medical appointments, help remove uncertainties and offer transparent documentation accessible for review if disputes or accusations arise. For instance, Police Scotland’s a National Custody System, launched in 2017, enables country-wide access to detainee information, allowing for consistent record-keeping and better monitoring of detainee welfare.

Advancements in on-demand smart glass technology

Further enhancing transparency in custody, innovations such as Tephra’s Smart Hatch on-demand smart glass technology is also being integrated into custody management. This technology is specifically used for audited cell observations. It lets officers switch the viewing window from obscure to clear, enhancing monitoring while respecting detainee privacy. Each observation is automatically logged, providing a verifiable record that supports accountability and ensures adherence to custody protocols.

Building trust through transparency

The adoption of these technologies is vital for cultivating trust and ensuring accountability within police custody. Transparent practices help prevent misconduct, reduce abuse incidents and provide a reliable record of a detainee’s custody experience. As stated by Assistant Chief Constable Tom Harding, Director of Operational Standards at the College of Policing, said:“ Every person who comes into contact with the police must be treated with dignity and respect. This is the foundation upon which trust and confidence is built and without this, we cannot effectively serve the public”.

By implementing body cameras, digital custody logs and on-demand smart glass technology, enables law enforcement to demonstrate their commitment to transparency. This builds community trust and reinforces the police’s dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of individuals under their care. As these technologies become more widely available, they hold significant potential to transform the relationships between law enforcement and the community, thereby fostering a more transparent and just system for everyone.

To discover how safer custody management technology can support greater transparency and accountability, please talk to a Lava Group representative.