The Police Service of Northern Ireland notes the findings of the joint Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) review.
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony McNally said: "We are committed to continually reviewing how we can improve policing and note the CJINI observations in respect of areas for improvement including expanding custody healthcare led by nurse practitioners.
“This has been introduced in Musgrave, Antrim and the new custody suite at Waterside, as part of our wider modernisation and improvement of regional custody provision across Northern Ireland.
“At times, we deal with detainees whose needs are complex, and may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or may be experiencing a mental health crisis. It’s crucial our custody provision is fit-for-purpose and can continue to meet health and safety requirements while, at the same time, enable an efficient criminal justice process. We will continue to seek funding to allow transformative change, but we remain within a challenging financial context.
"We will now take time to consider the recommendations in detail. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is working collaboratively with our multi-agency partners to deliver a transformed custody healthcare service."