Medication in police custody

Abstract

Police Officers have an obligation to look after the welfare of the persons detained by them. As such persons may require to be given medication on a regular basis during their period of custody which may last a few days, the Police are also responsible for ensuring that this takes place. To identify the extent of this requirement, a survey was carried out by questionnaire in Edinburgh over a period of one month. Eighty five per cent of the 127 detainees were carrying with them a variety of drugs or required to be given medication on a regular basis. The problems associated with this practice are discussed.