New Centralised Investigative Hub officially opened by Lord Lieutenant

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen joined Chief Constable Rachel Bacon and local dignitaries to officially unveil the new state-of-the-art Durham Investigative Hub.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC and Chief Constable welcomed guest of honour, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon, and other local dignitaries, staff and partners at a special ceremony to mark completion of one of the UK’s most advanced custody suites in the UK.

The ambitious development, located near Spennymoor, marks a huge milestone in Durham Constabulary’s policing history and is the single largest investment ever undertaken by the PCC on behalf of the force.

Guests at the opening event were invited around the facility’s advanced accommodation which includes 48 modern cells across four wings and a host of modern facilities housing specialist detective teams, the crime scene investigation unit, evidence stores and the firearms licensing department.

Guests were told that the Hub’s multi-discipline facilities were already producing significant efficiencies, enabling officers to spend more time on the streets in local communities.

The on-site Total Health Care provision for example has negated the need for detainees to leave the suite for medical treatment – which previously required officers to accompany them.  The on-site investigative teams are reducing the time detainees spend in custody, thereby freeing up staff time for other demands.

The new facility provides a safer environment for staff, detainees and visiting health workers and legal professionals. With multiple custody desks, officers are able to process several prisoners simultaneously, reducing the time spent booking in detainees and enabling them to return to frontline duties out on our streets more quickly.

In welcoming the historic landmark, Joy Allen told visitors: “This is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to the Hub’s journey. To get a project this huge off the ground takes patience not to mention stamina, and I am grateful for every role played in its development.

“This day would not be possible without the contribution of so many people whose quality of design, workmanship and careful use of materials is visible before us all.”

The Commissioner went on to share the far-reaching social impact of the development and the local opportunities, life chances and wellbeing it had generated for residents and businesses across County Durham and Darlington.  These now total more than £25.74m including more than £800k in local employment worth and £192k in skills support, accredited training and apprenticeship opportunities.

“I don’t think any of us anticipated how cutting-edge this project would be until it all came together. To say it puts Durham on the map is an understatement; this is what every policing development should aspire to, and we are very lucky to have it here, on our turf!” she told guests.

In unveiling a commemorative plaque, Lord Lieutenant Mrs Snowdon said: “When this facility was first discussed I was fully supportive. I knew from personal experience that it was very much needed, and I was confident that should it come to fruition it would enhance the investigative and capabilities of Durham Constabulary replacing the aging custody facilities.

“Towards the end of last year, I had the opportunity to tour the Hub which more than exceeded my expectations. I was so impressed with the facilities it provided and the commitment and enthusiasm of all those I spoke to.”

She added: “The work carried out here will significantly impact on the way cases are handled in court, creating a swifter system with reduced delay and fewer hearings.

“I would like to congratulate Joy Allen, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Rachel Bacon our Chief constable for their commitment and vision in ensuring Durham Constabulary leads the United Kingdom in providing this modern state-of- the-art custody facility with its many innovative and pioneering facilities, which will revolutionise operational capacity and save thousands of hours in police time.”

The Investigative Hub has been developed in accordance with Home Office design guidance, which promotes efficient, process-driven layouts to enhance safety, security, and respect for detainees.

The new facility provides a safer environment for staff, detainees and visiting health workers and legal professionals. With multiple custody desks, officers are able to process several prisoners simultaneously, reducing the time spent booking in detainees and enabling them to return to frontline duties out on our streets more quickly.

The Hub accepted its first detainees on December 12 and the Chief Constable told guests that the hub’s teams were already ‘working smarter’ to reduce demand around the clock.

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “I have now been Chief Constable of Durham for over one year and I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most resolute and committed individuals, to ensure the hub is fit for purpose within an ever-changing modern world of technology advances and, of course, complex criminality.

“In reality we are now capable of providing first class facilities which create safer places for detainees, our teams and the medical and legal professionals who collaborate with us. Our officers and staff are also reaping the rewards of working within a modern, innovative building as processes are far more streamlined and efficient.

“The dedication and exceptional service to deliver such a facility is the true embodiment of what it means to be part of this multi-agency approach to policing. I am immensely proud of everyone who has had a part to play, and it is an honour to celebrate their accomplishments.”

The Investigative Hub has been developed in accordance with Home Office design guidance, which promotes efficient, process-driven layouts to enhance safety, security, and respect for detainees.

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