In recent years, the use of Safety Pods in police custody suites has revolutionized how officers handle restraint situations, making them safer and more efficient for both staff and detainees. PC Rory Romani, a dedicated officer from West Yorkshire Police, played a key role in the introduction and integration of the Safety Pod into their operations. His firsthand experience offers valuable insights into how these devices have transformed police work, particularly in high-stress situations.

The idea of using Safety Pods within police custody suites began when officers observed their use at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital.

PC Romani explains, “Seeing the Pods in use in Broadmoor ‘sold them more’ at the beginning. We thought, ‘If they are using them in there, why shouldn’t we be using them in our custody areas?”

Inspired by the Pods’ success in Broadmoor, West Yorkshire Police decided to trial them in their custody suite in Bradford starting in December 2019. Initially planned for a short trial, the testing period extended beyond expectations, ultimately allowing officers to refine their use and develop proper protocols.

During this extended trial, it became clear that the Pods offered substantial advantages over traditional restraint methods. Originally, the plan was for two trained officers to be present with the Pod during its use. However, staffing shortages led PC Romani to adjust the policy, opting for one trained officer on the Pod with periodic checks. This shift allowed for more flexible use of the Pod while still ensuring detainee safety.

One of the major benefits of the Safety Pod, as noted by PC Romani, is the reduction in injuries for both officers and detainees. In typical restraint situations, multiple officers are often involved, which can lead to injuries ranging from sprains and broken bones to more serious concerns like positional asphyxia. These risks arise when detainees struggle to breathe while being physically restrained.

The Safety Pod changes this dynamic by allowing officers to safely secure a detainee while keeping everyone off the floor.

“Officers suffering knee and elbow injuries is common in situations where restraint of a subject on the floor is being attempted,” Romani explains.

With the Pod, the restraint is much easier, and the Excel Cushion helps prevent the detainee’s legs from kicking out, further minimizing the risk of injury.

More importantly, the Pod encourages a more humane approach to restraint. Once placed on the Pod, detainees often calm down more quickly, de-escalating the situation in a fraction of the time.

“The situation also de-escalates more easily, and the subject is more likely to calm down once on the Pod,” Romani says.

This shift not only improves the safety of all involved but also helps prevent the emotional and physical toll that extended restraint sessions can have on officers.

The Safety Pod also helps save time and resources. In a typical restraint scenario, officers could spend hours managing a detainee, but with the Pod, the entire process can be reduced to about 30 minutes.

Romani shares a notable example from Bradford: “In one case, a detainee who had scratched himself across his face and head was safely and comfortably restrained using the Pod. The entire incident lasted just 20 minutes, and medical staff were able to intervene immediately, treating the detainee’s injuries while keeping him calm.”

The time saved by using the Pod also contributes to reduced staff shortages. By preventing injuries and reducing the time needed for restraints, fewer officers need to take sick leave or suffer from long-term injuries.

“If you’ve got a shortage of staff and you’ve got to go upstairs to request extra staff, that leaves other shifts short-staffed instead, so there is a knock-on effect,” Romani explains.

By improving the safety of restraint procedures, the Pod ultimately helps ensure that staffing levels are maintained, improving overall operational efficiency.

Introducing the Safety Pod was not without its challenges. As with any new technology or procedure, there was initial resistance, especially among veteran officers.

“There was a sense of ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,’” says Romani.

Some officers, particularly those with 15 or 20 years of experience, were sceptical about the effectiveness of the Pod.

However, after demonstrating its practical benefits in real-world situations, Romani saw the attitude shift.

“I demonstrated it, and then said, ‘I just saw you roll your eyes, what do you think?’ The response was, ‘We’ll never use it.’ But within 10 minutes of me leaving, they had already used it.” Over time, these same officers became some of the biggest advocates for the Pod, spreading the word to their colleagues. “Bradford officers who were initially sceptical are now selling it to the other officers. They tell others it’s brilliant,” Romani says.

PC Romani’s dedication to improving the safety and efficiency of police work is evident in his commitment to the Safety Pod. He’s proud of the strides made in training officers across the force.

“Since March 2021, we’ve been rolling out training for all frontline officers. By next year, every officer coming through the system will be trained on the use of the Pods,” he explains.

The introduction of the Safety Pod has proven to be a positive legacy for Romani. As he prepares to leave the police force in September, he reflects on the impact the Pods have had.

“I feel like it’s my legacy introducing Pods to the force and demonstrating their effectiveness for any other force that sees the value in them,” Romani says.

He is confident that the Pods will continue to be a valuable tool for years to come, ultimately improving the safety of both officers and detainees.

In conclusion, the Safety Pod is a prime example of how innovation can make a tangible difference in policing. By offering a safer, more efficient method of restraint, it not only protects officers from injury but also ensures the humane treatment of detainees. The success of the Safety Pod in West Yorkshire Police, thanks to the efforts of officers like PC Rory Romani, serves as a model for other forces looking to improve their practices in custody suites.