PLANS to build a new custody suite in Coventry have been scrapped as part of a raft of changes announced by the region police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster.
The PCC said the decision, part of several plans for the city, would save money, with existing Custody Suites being re-opened at Bloxwich and Stechford instead.
Other changes will include the current city centre police station being moved.
The station will be relocated within the city centre, while the existing building will not be disposed of until a suitable alternative has been located.
Force Contact, where the public’s 999 and 101 calls are answered, is being centralised into one site at Park Lane in Birmingham, which will replace four offices including the Coventry site.
And the police building at Willenhall Chace Avenue will be newly refurbished to house Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Response officers and a Custody Suite.
Mr Foster approved the plans based on ‘independent and impartial’ proposals made by the Chief Constable, Craig Guildford.
Plans will look to see a range of new or refurbished buildings across the region brought into use and expensive and under-used sites will be sold or the leases left to expire.
The PCC claimed the review of the police estate comes at a time when ‘significant cost pressures’ meant the force must make cuts of £21million in the 2024/25 financial year.
Mr Foster said: “This investment will ensure a police estate fit for the 21st century.
“The plan places significant importance on community policing and police officers, working in local communities, to prevent, tackle and reduce crime, to keep people, families, businesses and the local community safe and secure.
“Police stations are important because they provide a reassuring and visible presence for communities.
“This plan will ensure the region retains as many as possible, whilst prioritising maintaining police officer numbers and managing a budget, that remains under severe pressure.”
