Investigative Hub FAQs

The new Investigative Hub, which is due to open at the beginning of 2025, will enhance the investigative and operational capabilities of Durham Constabulary replacing the force’s ageing custody facilities and providing a new home for an array of investigative and forensic capabilities.

These capabilities will improve evidence gathering and secure more convictions for victims of crime.

The opening of this facility may pose questions from our residents across County Durham and Darlington which we would like to respond to appropriately.

Please see below some frequently asked questions

How will the force access the new building?

The site is accessed from Meadowfield Avenue, the primary access route being off the A167 Coach & Horses roundabout via York Hill Road.

Will I notice an in increase in noise from police vehicles?

The centre is not an operational police station and as such officers will not be responding to emergencies from there. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary for officers to use sirens and blue lights but we expect this to be very rare.

Will there be increased traffic noise in my area?

A planning application requires a transport assessment that will analyse traffic flow arising from the development and any approval granted will take this into account.

Our current detainee transport provider, GeoAmey are already based at DurhamGate North and therefore there will be no change in existing traffic movement relating to the transporting of detainees.

Will detainees be released onto the street?

Vulnerable detainees, including all juveniles, will be escorted home; this could be by parents or appropriate professional agencies or in some circumstances by police officers.

Custody sergeants and detention staff are very proactive in helping adult detainees to get home and the majority of them are collected by family/friends or taxi. The site is located near two bus stops and for a small number of detainees where this is not possible, they would be given a bus ticket to ensure they could get home via public transport.

Some detainees will be taken to court, others may be transported straight to prison; this is routinely undertaken by our detainee transport provider.’

If you have any further questions, please contact us at general.enquiriespcc@durham-pcc.gov.uk or call 0191 375 2001.

You can also find out more by reviewing our Public Accountability meeting at https://youtu.be/WEd_VEbyWT4