Police May Charge Drunks for Custody

Tony Hogg (image credit north devon journal)

Tony Hogg, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner, has pledged to “explore every avenue that will help resolve this alcohol related crisis” including charging drunks for their time in custody.

Alcohol is thought to have been involved in more than 10,000 violent attacks last year while the overall annual cost to society in Devon and Cornwall is estimated at massive £366 million. (A 12-hour stay in custody costs Police about £245.)

He has confirmed he is looking at proposals which would see drunk yobs charged for their time in custody – in addition to criminal punishments such as fines. “The drinker who cannot control their behavior when they are drunk should be made to bear the consequences of their actions. I would like to explore whether we can charge drinkers for their time spent in the cells. Police officers have to ensure that they remain safe overnight, often we have to call in medical assistance. It is the taxpayer that pays for all of this. Police officers that are looking after drunks in the cells are not patrolling the streets. Doctors and nurses that do the same are being diverted away from more deserving patients. My office and I will continue to explore ways to make the problem drinker bear more responsibility for the harm and cost they create that they create."

The Association of Chief Police Officers floated the idea of establishing “drunk tanks”, which are common in some European countries and the United States, late last year. It believes a commercially-run operation – for which people would effectively have to pay for their care – would free up officers and act as an added deterrent.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton said: “I think it is a really good idea and we welcome the chance to work with the commission to see how we can implement it.”

Source northdevonjournal