Cumbria is the second force in the country to introduce a voluntary ADHD screening pilot to detainees coming into police custody.
It aims to help people to identify ADHD traits and give them contact details of organisations which can offer support.
Cumbria Constabulary said the identification of potential ADHD may help officers and provide them with a better understanding of the crimes committed, helping to prevent reoffending.
The screening is not an assessment or a diagnosis, Cumbria police said, as only a trained medical professional can do that – but it aims to help people take the first steps towards this.
The pilot was produced by accredited psychotherapist Sarah Templeton, CEO of ADHD Liberty, and first implemented by the City of London Police in May 2023.
Sergeant Leesa Edwards, chair of the ADHD Support and Working Group in Cumbria Constabulary, approached the force about introducing the pilot and implemented and co-ordinated it.
Speaking on the pilot Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson, Cumbria Constabulary’s custody lead said, “Cumbria is the second force to adopt the screening within custody, recognising the support required for those with ADHD.
“This will help us to signpost those with ADHD traits to get a diagnosis and also helps us understand offending, prevent reoffending which will in turn reduce demand.”
A mental health checklist is already incorporated in processing suspects through the criminal justice system, which was developed by the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, aims to improve information provided to CPS prosecutors before they make charging and case decisions.
Sarah said: “We have been absolutely thrilled to work with Cumbria police. We know how hard they have worked to put this screening in place, and we think it will be an excellent example of how undiagnosed ADHD is potentially affecting offending in a rural location after our first pilot in the centre of London.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Custody suites across the county see people from all walks of life, some needing additional support.
“This screening supports the police to get to do their job whilst providing individuals with the assistance they need.
“This again, shows that Cumbria is innovative in its approach to dealing with complex issues and that just because it is a small rural force, this doesn’t mean that you cannot be at the cutting edge of innovation and problem solving. Cumbria Constabulary is a high performing force that is always looking for ways to improve the service we provide to the residents and visitors to Cumbria.”
