The newly appointed Police & Crime Commissioner has now set out local Police and Crime priorities in the Police and Crime Plan to take effect from 1.4.2013 and this has set the strategic priorities across Avon & Somerset. In addition 2014 will see the implementation across Avon & Somerset of a major restructure in custodial suite provision which radically alters the custody profile.
In line with these changes an exciting and visionary opportunity has arisen for a supplier to deliver the Avon & Somerset wide Arrest Referral service from 1.4.2014, across the four new custody suites located at Patchway near Bristol, Keynsham near Bristol, Bridgwater and Yeovil. This new model will seek to offer core arrest referral services to those suffering from drug and alcohol misuse and will be designed to build on the success of previous models and must help to provide seamless care throughout the criminal justice system into recovery and beyond.
The service will retain much of the effective practice which has been recognised during the last 10 years and build upon current expertise. The service will be delivered 7 days per week at the four new custody suites, using extended operating hours to ensure the maximum number of potential clients are engaged. It will ensure brief interventions are available, ensure rapid referrals into community and custody services, identify clients whom may be suitable for community orders, work in partnership with Impact teams and work alongside custodial clinical, mental health and Young Peoples services.
The successful supplier will recognise the need for more effective information and data management including tracking clients through the journey from Police custody into local drug services and will offer specialism in implementing dedicated care pathways for Integrated Offender Management Unit (Impact) cases and the identification of detainees suitable for statutory orders such as DRR's and ATR's. The successful supplier will also have experience in managing hard to reach groups such as mental health, victims of DV and Black and Minority Ethnic communities.