Can A Person Be Left Naked In A Police Cell, And If So Why. ?

[Coreymcguire]

Can a person be left naked in a police cell, and if so why. ?

[sandyRoe]

If a streaker was arrested and taken into custody would the police be required to find them clothes?

[maggiebee]

I can't think of any reason why this would happen. Wouldn't it be against their human rights?

[Zeuhl]

if they take their clothes off?

[B00]

The Naked Rambler?

[Mamyalynne]

I think it would be very unlikely to happen, some clothing may be removed if considered a safety risk but usually a paper suit or similar would be offered.


Is this hypothetical?

[Baby_Sham]

I would have thought so. If they believe the person is at risk of harming themselves.

[sandyRoe]

in this weather it might be hypothermiacal

[aelmpvw]

possible initiation rite for a shy cadet because sarge thinks it's funny?

[Zeuhl]

Wearing one of those white police issue paper overalls with nothing underneath...

it's very hot and sultry in the cells...

the copper is looking through the peep-hole...

(cue sexy music)

'Nine and a half Weeks: with time off for bad behaviour'

[ClaryS]

Surely if they think you are at risk of hanging yourself with your knickers they still have to give you something to cover yourself up? Then you could take that off and hang yourself . Mmmm interesting. Is there a further story to this OP?

[Orderlimit]

From the Police and criminal Evidence Act Code C :

8.5 If it is necessary to remove a detainee’s clothes for the purposes of investigation, for hygiene, health reasons or cleaning, replacement clothing of a reasonable standard of comfort and cleanliness shall be provided. A detainee may not be interviewed unless adequate clothing has been offered.

[Mamyalynne]

Thanks Orderlimit, that is as I suspected was the case.

[Orderlimit]

Corey, the codes state clothing must be 'provided'.If a detainee refused to dress and threatened self-harm then you could probably justify leaving the clothing outside the cell until there is cooperation. Technically the clothing was provided and reasons justified etc.

Notice the word 'offered' used when making reference to interviews. This seems to recognise the potential dangers of handing (providing) non-cooperative detainee's with any items when in close contact with officers.

Foul play by the police is highly unlikely due to many factors including the regular unannounced visits by independent Lay-visitors.

[shoota]

A surprising number of prisoners (of both sexes) remove their clothes voluntarily and decline to replace them or don a 'babygrow'.
Drink or drugs is often a factor, as, occasionally is mental health, Sometimes it is a form of protest (along with such activities as re-decorating with ordure) but it is usually for the more prosaic reason Zeuhl suggests - the cells are often claustrophobic and unpleasantly warm and airless. Just so as no one can complain of being cold. (They still do though...)