NCJ Number
195188
Date Published
2002
Length
76 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings from a research study that explored the problems encountered in policing British city-centre entertainment districts and in dealing with intoxicated arrestees in police custody.
Abstract
Two sites were chosen for this study, selected on the basis of size (processing of at least 600 arrestees per month) and type of area policed; both sites encompassed metropolitan areas with large and geographically distinct city-centre entertainment areas. Observational research was conducted at both sites between November 1999 and February 2000. At both sites, four periods of fieldwork were undertaken that covered two weekday periods and two weekend periods. One data collection schedule provided information on each individual brought into custody during the research period, and another schedule involved the taking of detailed observational field notes. All individuals arrested for a new offense were included in the research. Police and licensees interviewed at both sites reported that drunken people posed problems in their city-centre. They believed that alcohol consumption contributed to nuisance crime rather than serious violent crime. Officers routinely reasoned with potential arrestees in order to try to avoid the need for arrest. Key factors that informed the decision to arrest included the offenders' physical vulnerability, the potential for violence, and the likelihood that the individual would commit a further offense. Key recommendations for possible action are in three categories: city-centre management, deterrence and detection, and care and management in the city-centre. Among the recommendations are the staggering of closing times of entertainment venues, the provision of adequate transport facilities out of the city-centre, the use of high-visibility policing at "hotspots," targeted visits to licensed premises by local licensing units at busy times, the installation and monitoring of closed-circuit cameras in cells that contain vulnerable detainees, having medically trained staff in the custody suite to take responsibility for the health and well-being of arrestees, and screening of arrestees for alcohol problems with referral to external service or the administration of brief intervention in the custody suite as appropriate to reduce future hazardous drinking behavior. 9 tables, 2 exhibits, 30 references, and appended data collection schedule and tool for a multi-agency strategy to police city-centres late at night