FOI 375709

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 375709

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 2^nd December 2024. Please find below the response to your request:

Please provide the following information in relation to the provision of information to blind/visually impaired adults:

1. in what format or formats is Code C available and specifically:
1. is it available in Braille?
2. is it available in an audible format?
3. if available in Braille and/or audible format please confirm if these formats are available in all police stations and if not, please confirm in which stations these formats are available?
2. Code C Para 3(A): in what format or formats is a detainee’s notice of rights given and specifically where a detainee is blind or visually impaired is that notice given in Braille or an audible format?
3. in relation to voluntary interviewees in what format is notice of an interviewee’s rights under PACE (or any other relevant statutory provision) given during and after interview?
4. in relation to all essential documents identified within Code C, in what format or formats are these made available to blind or visually impaired detainees?
5. in relation to DPNc notices in what formats are these made available to blind or visually impaired interviewees/suspects/detainees?
6. in relation to its duties under the Equality Act 2010 generally and specifically section 149 of that Act, does West Mercia Police have any, and if so what, specific guidance in relation to dealing with blind or visually impaired suspects or detainees and in particular the giving of information in accessible format?
7. In the period 01/01/23 to date how many blind or visually impaired individuals were:
1. interviewed at police stations (including voluntary interviews)?
2. arrested/detained/interviewed at police stations?

Reply

West Mercia Police hold the information requested

1. In what format or formats is Code C available and specifically:
1. is it available in Braille? Yes
2. is it available in an audible format? No

1. if available in Braille and/or audible format please confirm if these formats are available in all police stations and if not, please confirm in which stations these formats are available?

Each custody block have the ‘Code C Right and Entitlement’ document and the ‘Remember your rights whilst detained’ document in braille.

Code C Para 3(A): in what format or formats is a detainee’s notice of rights given and specifically where a detainee is blind or visually impaired is that notice given in Braille or an audible format?

Braille.

1. In relation to voluntary interviewees in what format is notice of an interviewee’s rights under PACE (or any other relevant statutory provision) given during and after interview?

Braille

1. In relation to all essential documents identified within Code C, in what format or formats are these made available to blind or visually impaired detainees?

‘Remember your rights whilst detained’ document can be provided in Braille.

1. In relation to DPNc notices in what formats are these made available to blind or visually impaired interviewees/suspects/detainees?

Written only.

1. In relation to its duties under the Equality Act 2010 generally and specifically section 149 of that Act, does West Mercia Police have any, and if so what, specific guidance in relation to dealing with blind or visually impaired suspects or detainees and in particular the giving of information in accessible format?

A number of options are currently being explored to enhance the provision of information when dealing with blind or visually impaired suspects such as IT solutions to enhance communication. However, at present we only have written information in Braille as outlined.

1. In the period 01/01/23 to date how many blind or visually impaired individuals were:
1. Interviewed at police stations (including voluntary interviews)?

52 blind or visually impaired individuals were interviewed at a police station between 01/01/2023 – 30/11/2024.

1. Arrested/detained/interviewed at police stations?

67 blind or visually impaired individuals were arrest & detained at a police station between 01/01/2023 – 30/11/2024. The number interviewed is the same as Q7.1.