THE latest inspection of custody suites in Sussex has revealed a “mixed" picture, inspectors have said.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has carried out the first inspection of Sussex Police’s treatment of detainees since 2011.

Concerns have been raised that the force has made no progress in eliminating the risks of inmates hanging themselves, has “inadequate” collation and extraction of data from computer systems and “weaknesses” in the way the force arrested and questioned suspects.

Inspectors also raised concerns about the number of detainees under the Mental Health Act which were taken into cells as a place of safety.

However the report also found most detainees continued to be treated with respect and consideration and the condition of most cells was still adequate.

The force was also committed to preventing the criminalisation of and mental health services in custody suites and street triage were provided by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the support offered was good.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke and HM Inspector of Constabulary Dru Sharpling Said: “Despite some mixed findings, this was still a relatively positive inspection.

"Importantly, most detainees held in police custody in Sussex continued to be treated decently. We look forward to seeing that the work required to achieve the necessary improvements is carried out.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Phelps said: "Overall this is a positive inspection as it recognises we take the care and treatment of detainees very seriously.

"We acknowledge the recommendations given to us and already have in place plans to improve these areas.

"The number of people detained in custody under section 136 is monitored monthly and before we received the HMIC report, we had begun to address the issue.

"We held a multiagency meeting along with the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to understand the situation.

"We know there are not always enough beds for those in a mental health crisis, however we are always focused on keeping them safe, although a cell is never the ideal option.

"We always welcome these inspections so we can improve the care for those detained within our custody."