Release Support Briefing

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When you are released from Custody, it's really good to have a friendly face there to meet you. Anyone who hasn't been arrested can do this - although at least some of the people in this role should be drivers with transport to get folk back when released.

Hopefully your Trackers will be able to give you an indication of when people are likely to be released, but if there's only a few police offices involved you could even have people waiting there anyway.

The most important part of this role is providing moral and emotional support: letting people talk about their experience, bringing them up to speed on what's happened while they've been inside and just being friendly. Have a flask of hot drink and some food and chocolate available. Make sure you have a mobile phone (with credit!) so that they can ring friends/family to reassure them that they're out and OK. It's also good if you have a general idea of what happened, how many others are released yet, etc. and (if it's out and there's been any coverage) a copy of the evening paper.

If you go to a police office to pick someone up, then it's a good idea to go into the front office and check that they haven't been released yet when you arrive. The police may give you an idea of how long until they will be although it's not always accurate!

When people are released make sure you write down a list of names, even if people want to dash straight off to their friend's house/B&B/etc. If possible, also check what they were charged with and if they signed an Undertaking (and if so to where and when). When it's calmed down ring these names through to the Trackers.

If anyone wishes to make a complaint about their treatment by the police then encourage them to sit down somewhere quiet and make detailed notes of everything they can remember about the incident as soon as possible. Anyone else who witnessed it should do the same. It's probably best to wait until you're rested and have collected your thoughts and notes before actually putting in the complaint - you can put it in in writing later on and ask them to come to you if they want to interview you. If someone does want to put in a complaint immediately they should ask for the Duty Inspector.