Praise and abuse from detainees

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Detainees asked about their time in police cells have, surprisingly, lavished praise on police.

Devon and Cornwall Police sent out 1,000 "customer satisfaction" forms asking about food, reading material, cleanliness and temperature of cells.

There was a varied response, with one man complaining about being given the Sun newspaper instead of The Times.

But a woman in her 20s described a sergeant's accent as "very sexy", adding: "Must come back."

One even recommended that police officers should be awarded a pay rise.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the survey was carried out to ensure the force was treating people in accordance with national regulations.

Ch Insp Ivan Trethewey said it was an inexpensive survey which provided a "reality check".

The food is rubbish and I want MTV in my cell Survey response

The detainees, who were asked to answer 41 questions, had been held at police stations earlier in the year.

Despite the positive comments, many replied with outspoken and sometimes foul-mouthed abuse, while others demanded satellite television in their cell, tastier food, a better drinks service and more cigarette breaks.

There were complaints about cells being too warm or too bright for sleeping, while a teenage girl claimed she was pushed around.

A sample of about 60 survey replies was obtained under Freedom of Information legislation.

One man said his first experience of custody was not favourable.

Identify weakness

"I am innocent and certainly did not feel innocent until proven guilty," he said.

"I was extremely nervous because I have never been in trouble with police before."

Comments about the facilities and service in custody included: "The food is rubbish and I want MTV in my cell".

Another detainee wrote: "I was only given a day-old copy of The Sun when I really wanted The Times."

Dave James, secretary of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said identifying areas of best practice and potential weakness was a good idea, although he was not surprised by some of the negative comments on the survey forms.

"We have to bear in mind these are not people in a hotel. These are people who have lost their liberty and nine times out of 10 they are not going to like it.

"Some of these are people arrested for drink driving, burglary and rape and the police service as a whole at that time is unlikely to be their favourite cup of tea."