Peter Kelly
15 Dec 2023 · Coroner Nicola Mundy · South Yorkshire East
The coroner's concerns
1. lack of understanding of Liaison and Diversion processes
“Failure of a custody sergeant to understand the processes for involving Liaison and Diversion team.”
2. lack of knowledge of liaison and diversion information on police connect system
“Lack of knowledge regarding the information that is available to the liaison and diversion team on the police connect system and the facility for police officers to enter LND on that system as a flag.”
3. inadequate pre release risk assessment
“Failure to properly complete the Pre Release risk assessment and failure to understand the importance of the question asking an individual how they are feeling at the point of release.”
4. lack of understanding of triggers for liaison and diversion contact
“A lack of understanding as to the triggers which may lead to contact with LND not just during a person's time whilst held in custody but at the point of release.”
5. lack of training on liaison and diversion system and mental health considerations
“It appears that there is a training need for those working within the custody suite to understand how the system works with LND and the importance of adequately addressing those who are potentially vulnerable with regard to their mental health at the point of discharge.”
Responses
2025-0419-Response-from-South-Yorkshire-Police.pdf ↗· South Yorkshire Police
Stated action · 31st May 2024
“There is to be further clarification circulated to all Custody Sergeants and custody staff around the triggers and priorities for involving Liaison and Diversion, a flowchart will be provided by Liaison and Diversion and placed at each booking in desk for every Custody Sergeant to visually refer to when completing RA and PRA all three suites. This is to be in place and completed by the 31st May 2024”