Young yobs in pink as police paint ‘calm’ cell
A POLICE force was yesterday accused of “losing the plot” after it painted a youth custody cell pink. Thames Valley said the new colour scheme will provide a “less threatening environment”.
But some parents claimed the force “might as well put a PlayStation in as well” amid fears it will be seen as a soft touch.
Belinda Jane Corbett said: “Youths are in there for a reason. Why make them feel like they are special?” Bob Sherlock joked: “Give them an Xbox and a packet of Haribo as well. Failing that, how about saving a few bob on the paint and using it to catch criminals instead.”
Leon Ruffell said: “So they have committed a crime and instead of them ******** themselves for being caught you want them more relaxed. Might as well put a PlayStation and a bag of sweets in there as well.”
William O’Donnell added that police “have lost the plot”.
A more calming colour provides a less threatening environment, which can be important for children when they have to be detained. We hope it makes a difference.
Thames Valley – the fifth largest force in England – arrested 2,446 children between April 2016 and March 2017 – almost 50 each week.
Superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint, head of Thames Valley criminal justice, defended the painting of the custody cell in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
She said: “Being held in custody can be a difficult experience.
“A more calming colour provides a less threatening environment, which can be important for children when they have to be detained. We hope it makes a difference.”
Katie Kempen, of the Independent Custody Visitors’ Association, said: “Custody environments are extremely daunting and intimidating and you see some very vulnerable young people come through the doors. We welcome anything that makes it less traumatic for them.”