title: Assessing fitness to detain in police custody.
abstract: This article outlines the role of the custody nurse in assessing an individual's fitness to be detained. It addresses all aspects of the assessment, including consent, responsibilities and the structure of the clinical examination. It explores ways to ensure that the detainee's rights and welfare are maintained and their healthcare needs are met. It offers guidance on preparing a care plan for detained individuals that the police can implement.
authors.affiliation: West Yorkshire Police, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds, England.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peel
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009740:Nursing Staff; D016495:Police; D011329:Prisoners; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: criminal justice; fitness to detain; mental health; police custody