DESPITE what was a damning report into custody inspections in South Wales Police, it seems the force is trying to turn around their recent beleaguered reputation.

In June, an inspection visit to SWP custody suites found concerns including use of force in custody situations and limited provisions in place for women and people with mental health problems.

The report, conducted by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and Care Quality Commission, found issues in leadership and accountability, first point of contact on arrest and custody suite conduct.

The report said governance and oversight of the use of force in custody wasn’t good enough, data collated wasn’t accurate and there were concerns not enough provision was made for women and people with mental health problems who were arrested.

Two criminal cases then rocked the force.

In August, a former police officer was jailed for 15 months for having a sexual relationship with a vulnerable victim of crime.

In October, Officer Lewis Edwards was sentenced to life in prison for grooming more than 200 girls online.

Issues identified in the inspection report into custody suites in South Wales Police

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Barry And District News: The force manages its custody services across four custody suites at Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Merthyr TydfilThe force manages its custody services across four custody suites at Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil

Barry And District News: It’s been a damaging year for the force reputationally with the likes of poor officer conduct including Lewis Edwards who was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 12 years after he pleaded guilty to 22 counts of blackmail, 138 child sex offencesIt’s been a damaging year for the force reputationally with the likes of poor officer conduct including Lewis Edwards who was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 12 years after he pleaded guilty to 22 counts of blackmail, 138 child sex offences (Image: SWP)

In October, Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael responded to the report saying the safety and welfare of detainees is an absolute priority to the force.

Mr Michael said: “It’s acknowledged that some processes, such as the recording of information, are not of the highest possible standard and this is something we are taking extremely seriously.

“We have worked really hard to drastically reduce the number of people who are suffering mental health episodes being taken into police custody and we recognise that we need to do more to reduce the number of children who are kept in custody for any longer than is absolutely necessary.

“This is a complex situation which we need to address with the support of partner agencies who are often responsible for their care.”

In December, the force was further pressed by the BBC on their morning radio show with Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan admitting the conduct of some of his officers in the last 12 months, including the likes of Edwards, had been “horrific” and he was determined to “root out” misconduct.

However, right at the end of the year, it seems South Wales Police might be turning a corner.

At the end of December, the South Wales Independent Custody Visiting Scheme was recognised nationally for the quality of its service.

Dame Anne Owers, chair of the Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA), said: "Independent custody visiting schemes ensure that the public have oversight of a high pressure and often hidden area of policing.

“These awards demonstrate how local schemes use volunteer feedback to make change and ensure that police custody is safe and dignified for all.”