Custody suites 456/2026

FOI Reference: 456/2026

Request:

1. The number of police custody suites currently operated by your force.
2. The name and location of each custody suite (if this information is held).
3. Whether there is a lactating detainee policy in place in your force or any access to kits etc and how this is dealt with in your force.

Response 1:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

5 permanent custody suites and 1 overflow

Response 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Dafen (Llanelli)

Haverfordwest

Aberystwyth

Cardigan (Overflow suite)

Newtown

Brecon

Response 3:

I can confirm that there is no information held by Dyfed-Powys Police due to the fact that there is no specific policy relating to lactating detainees. 

Please note: Pregnancy is covered within the Custody Standard Operating Procedure, as well as the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP).  However, there is also nothing within the College of Policing APP specific to lactating detainees.

Detainees who are pregnant or breastfeeding are classified as potentially vulnerable.  Custody staff will complete a risk assessment, specific to each detainee, to assess how detention affects their specific welfare requirements.  Pregnant or breastfeeding detainees will have access to a Healthcare Professional (HCP) to manage their physical needs safely.

The force nor the medical contract supplier keep a stock of breast pumps.  Any pumps/bottles would need to be sterilised, and this is also equipment that we do not have.  Storage capabilities for the breast milk would also need to be considered.  Whilst pregnant or breastfeeding detainees are a rare occurrence in custody, purely based on the associated risk and additional welfare needs, consideration would need to be given on a case-by-case basis depending on the individual mother and baby.  Each individual would need to undergo appropriate risk assessment by custody staff and medical evaluation by the HCP in relation to their fitness to detain and whether their welfare needs can be met within the custody environment.

All female detainees will be assigned a female officer or female member of police staff to act as their SPOC during their detention.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 20/05/2026)