Concerns raised over future of Newark custody suite

The future of Newark Police Station’s custody suite is under review, Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed.

It is one of only three left in the county following the closure of the suite at Worksop.

If it did close, police officers in Newark and Sherwood would have to transport their prisoners to either Mansfield or the Bridewell station in Nottingham, book them into the custody suites there and potentially interview them before returning to duties.

The chairman of the Nottinghamshire Police Federation, Mr Dave Keen, said: “We are actively involved in discussions with the force on this on behalf of our members.

“We have understandable concerns about the increased distances officers would have to travel, potentially with violent prisoners, and the length of time those officers would be away from the area they are policing.

“We are seeking reassurances that, if this does happen, all of those concerns are addressed.”

The Advertiser has received a number of calls suggesting the Newark custody suite was to close.

In a statement, Nottinghamshire Police said: “In April 2017, Nottinghamshire Police launched Our Priority Plan, a strategy for the force to provide a service that works for local people, enabled by a process of continual review of our structure and processes.

“The first phase of this was a review of departments across the force, from which one proposal was to assess the future feasibility of Newark custody suite.

“This was raised as an option that would allow us to reinvest resources in frontline policing by increasing the numbers of police constables and maintaining PCSO levels at 200.”

No impact on Newark Police Station

Superintendent Paul Winter, programme lead for Our Priority Plan, said: “No firm decisions have been made about Newark custody suite.

“A business case will be presented to the Chief Officer Team in September to assess the impact, opportunities and risks this presents to our staff, the force, and the local area.

“This move is about re-allocating our existing resources to allow us to provide services where they are needed most.

“It is not about making staff redundant, but there may be situations where staff are required to re-locate to our other custody suites in the city centre or Mansfield.

“We also want to reassure the community that this review does not have any impact on Newark Police Station.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Mr Paddy Tipping, who previously said the custody suite was vital because of Newark’s geographical isolation, said: “We are constantly keeping our resources and estate under review. We are looking again at custody provision and, of course, Newark is part of that provision.

“Staff at Newark custody suite will be offered full consultation on this review and we are engaging with our stakeholders in the area to keep them fully informed of the outcome of this review.”