We operate three custody suites within the Cheshire Constabulary force area - Eastern custody facility is located in Middlewich, Northern custody facility is in Runcorn and the Western custody facility is in Blacon, Chester. In total we have 90 cells that are open 24hrs, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

A person whose detention is authorised after arrest is called a DP (detained person). Custody is simply a part of the investigation process and even if charged, the DPs are not yet convicted at court.

There are a lot of myths about custody regarding what you are entitled to and what information can be given to others - when in custody, we gather lots of sensitive and personal information as part of a risk assessment. The more information we can gather the better as we use this to ensure the welfare of those we look after during their time in our custody suites.

If the DP is an adult (anyone 18 or over), we are unable to even disclose that they are in the suite unless we have their permission to do so.

One of the rights a DP has is to have someone informed of their arrest -although they do not have to exercise this right.

If the DP is a vulnerable adult (an objective decision made during consultation with a health care professional) or a child under 18, they will require an appropriate adult (AA) to assist them with understanding their rights and the custody process.

If you are nominated by the DP for the role of AA, you will be contacted usually within the first hour of the DP being in custody.