POLICE chiefs have revealed a plan to recruit more civilian custody assistants.
Durham Police is appointing 20 civilian assistants, with the first ten being taken on in October and the rest in autumn next year.
At present, only custody sergeants in Darlington and Durham police stations have the benefit of permanent civilian assistants to help deal with prisoners.
Director of finance and administration, Steve Cheston, said there had been increased pressure for help, but using police officers would cost more than £562,000.
He said many people who were taken into custody had psychiatric or drugs problems.
In the force newsletter, he wrote: "These individuals require special care and supervision which cannot be provided by the custody sergeant alone.
"They may need constant supervision or checks at 15-minute intervals. The longer they are in custody, the greater the demand placed on custody staff."
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