POLICE custody facilities across North Yorkshire have been praised in a new report which warns further work is still needed.

Anne Owers, chief inspector of prisons, and Denis O’Connor, chief inspector of constabulary, have published a report into North Yorkshire Police’s custody suites.

The HM Inspectorate of Prison and the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary is carrying out studies into all UK police forces.

It looked into the six custody suites including those in Northallerton, Harrogate and Scarborough and praised many things it saw.

A spokesman for the reporting team said: "This inspection identified a generally positive picture of custody in North Yorkshire.

"This report sets out a number of recommendations we believe will assist the chief constable and North Yorkshire Police Authority to improve the quality of provision.

"We expect them to consider these in the wider context of force priorities and resourcing and to provide us with an action plan in due course."

Good points in the report included that overall the detention facilities were well managed and there were some areas of excellent practise.

It found custody staff were caring and helped those with little English and facilities generally were clean and graffiti free.

In recent years investment had been made in the custody suites and a clear management structure is in place.

Concerns identified included problems with handling and storing DNA and forensic samples.

Risk assessments were carried out but did not always take into account intelligence of self harm or suicide related behaviour.

Only Scarborough had contracted provision of mental health support and there were concerns some suites had points which could be used to tie ligatures too.

Tim Madgwick, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable, said: "Overall we are very pleased with the report.

"As with any inspection there are improvements to be made, but overall we believe we provide cost effective, professional and appropriate facilities for the safe detention of offenders.

"Some issues raised in the report were dealt with and rectified immediately, with plans in place to address other areas which will be monitored by the inspectorate over the coming months."

He added that he was pleased a recent refurbishment of the custody areas and officer standards and attitude had been praised.