Police adopt steps to help neurodiverse detainees

Measures put in place by one police force to calm detainees in its custody suites are being taken on by other forces.

In a bid to support neurodivergent detainees, Gloucestershire Constabulary's custody area was revamped in 2025 and now includes a mural, books and low lighting.

Chris Nelson, Gloucestershire police and crime commissioner said it has dramatically reduced the amount of assaults on staff and explained "it's highly likely to work with other forces".

Avon and Somerset Police has since redecorate its custody areas with murals, and painted its cells with targets on walls that people can use when throwing and catching balls.

Custody Ch Insp Daniel Ashfield, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We have also had three lighting levels installed within cells to reduce the impact of bright lights, and have changed a number of cell doors in each unit which reduce the impact of being locked into a cell for people that are neurodiverse.

"We continue to explore ways to make further improvements to benefit those with neurodiversity or other disabilities.

"It is our aim to provide an environment which supports all people who come into custody.

"It allows them to feel safe, supported and calm which reduces the trauma as well as aggression towards staff."

Nelson said being held in custody can be a "very difficult period for detainees who have all sorts of problems".

"A primary argument for doing these things is it doesn't cost much money and it leads to a big reduction in assaults against police staff," he said.

"If it works with us, it's highly likely to work with other forces.

"In the South West there are a total of five forces that work very closely together and share best practice on all manner of things.

"There appears to be wider interest in what we've done."

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