Gloucestershire Police have introduced a soothing mural in their custody suite, specifically to support neurodiverse individuals who may find the environment particularly challenging. Covering all four walls of an outdoor yard, the mural was created by local artist Murmur and incorporates gentle, soft colors, a transition from night to day, abstract patterns, and tranquil imagery designed to ease anxiety and reduce sensory overload.
Aside from visual calm, the yard also features targets for detainees to focus on during ball games, providing a constructive outlet for nervous energy. To further accommodate those sensitive to noise or echoes, the suite includes a dedicated quiet cell.
Additionally, a specially designed picture book guides detainees through what to expect in custody, showcasing the types of uniforms and objects they may encounter. This helps to demystify the process and reduce uncertainty.
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This initiative, praised as pioneering by Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson, focuses on the needs of people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing sensitivities, and other neurodiverse conditions. He emphasized the importance of treating detainees with dignity and respect, reminding that “detainees are not prisoners, and are innocent until proven otherwise.”
The project was led by Inspector Andrew Miller with collaborative input from independent custody visitors, neurodivergent community members, and the Constabulary’s neurodiversity network. It was supported by funding from the Integrated Adults Commissioning Hub.
Independent custody visitors—volunteers appointed by the Office of the PCC—regularly check on detainees to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld. Following their feedback, this mural and associated measures mark a significant step toward trauma-informed policing.
Inspector Miller highlighted that the welfare of those in custody is paramount. “We recognize the sensory challenges posed by custody environments and have made this mural one of several changes to better support neurodiverse individuals,” he said. “Our goal is to reduce stress and anxiety so that all detainees feel understood and supported.”
This calming design was officially unveiled on July 7, signaling a hopeful shift toward more compassionate treatments within police custody suites.