SERIOUS concerns have been raised over custody with Thames Valley Police.

A report into the force's custody suites, the largest of which is in Abingdon, is generally positive.

It praises a 'strong and focused governance structure' and says that people who are detained are generally treated respectfully.

However, serious concerns were raised about inconsistent usage of force and failures in searches.

The report said: β€œIn cases we reviewed, the use of force was not always proportionate to the threat posed.

"Governance of the use of force in custody was not sufficiently rigorous.”

With regard to strip searches, inspectors said they were not always conducted thoroughly enough, allowing detainees to conceal drugs and other potentially dangerous items.

Two detainees were taken to hospital after taking drugs while in custody.

Inspectors said there were safety concerns and significant risks to detainees who are not managed well enough.

Staff shortages meant that cell bells frequently went unanswered and checks were not always conducted in line with the levels set.

Superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint, head of criminal justice with TVP, said she was pleased with the overall positivity of the report.

She said an interim plan was already in place to deal with the main recommendations in the report.

The report follows an inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons and HMI Constabulary.