National policing lead on criminal justice Chief Constable Chris Eyre said:

"Despite progress over recent years, there is more that can be done to streamline the criminal justice process from arrest to outcome, to make it more cost efficient and effective for victims and witnesses.

"A key issue for police is ensuring that people are detained in the most appropriate place, whether a police cell, mental health facility or local authority accommodation. We are working closely with government and other agencies to improve availability of places of safety so we can achieve this.

"Police case files are critical in securing justice and ACPO will work with the CPS and the College of Policing to ensure officers have training, supervision and processes in place to produce high quality reports."

ENDS