The ‘One Night In Custody’ social media feature returned on Saturday evening, with a live Tweetathon from Swindon’s custody suite.
The event saw live tweets published through the evening shift – from 7pm on Saturday 7th August to 1am on Sunday 8th August – featuring all the comings and goings in Swindon custody suite, as well as giving the public an insight into what happens to those who are arrested in Wiltshire.
Inspector Mark Calland, Force Custody Lead, said: “Following the success of our first live Tweetathon in Melksham custody back in 2018, it was great to see the social media feature return – this time in Swindon.
“Although a relatively quiet evening compared to some more recent shifts, it was a really great opportunity to show the public exactly what the team in custody do on an average Saturday evening and highlight some of the challenges we face.
“We had some really great engagement with the public during the shift and I hope people found it a useful insight into life in custody.”
During the evening, there were arrests for drug-driving, sexual assault, malicious communication, and common assault and criminal damage.
Inspector Calland added: “We want to provide the best possible service, ensuring detainees are treated fairly in line with policy and procedure, and with dignity and respect.
“The teams at both Swindon and Melksham custody units work exceptionally hard. They do a hugely important role in what is a very difficult situation, often seeing people when they are at their lowest point.
“Working in custody is a difficult job, staff are spat at and abused. For the past 18 months staff have hard to wear four items of personal protective equipment. It is hot and uncomfortable, but they do it each shift.
“We have a great team working across both Swindon and Melksham custody, they are amazing at what they do, and I would like to thank them for all their hard work, especially for everything they have done over the last 18 months.”
The event was part of the Click or Call summer demand campaign where police are asking our communities to start their journey online if they do not require immediate assistance in a bid to reduce the post-lockdown demand.
For more information, or to get involved with the campaign, log on to www.wiltshire.police.uk, follow their social media accounts and #ClickorCall.
