NEW police cells in Coventry will help officers cope with increasing arrest rates.
Willenhall police base has added 24 new cells following a major refurbishment over the past three months.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said the new cells would help the force cope with higher arrest rates than in recent years – with around 5,000 people arrested across the region in June alone.
They added: “In 2022, we had just four custody facilities across the region – but thanks to our investment and by working differently, we have more operational cells than ever before, across seven sites.
“The changes to the force’s custody estate is all part of Chief Constable Craig Guildford’s vision of creating a more balanced system focused on supporting frontline officers in making proactive arrests, while ensuring that all the elements of safer detention are sensibly facilitated.”
Ch Supt Paul Joyce, responsible for policing across the whole of Coventry, said the updated facilities would make a real difference.
He said: “These changes are more than just about safe and secure cells, it’s about Coventry Police’s total operational effectiveness.
“While good, the facilities are far from luxurious. Custody remains a very challenging environment where we are responsible for many very vulnerable people with very complex needs.
“There are also legal requirements for us to provide certain facilities and to protect certain rights of detainees.”
The refurbishment also included new interview rooms fitted with the latest digital interview equipment and CCTV.
As part of the works, adaptations have been made to help children, disabled and neurodivergent people who use the cells or work at the site – including adjustable lighting, digital clocks in key areas, sight lines painted on walls to help with navigation and murals to help refocus vision and distract thoughts.
This is the first refurbishment of the site since it was opened in 1995.
During the building works, officers used the cells at Coventry Central and other police stations across the West Midlands.
