Hampshire Police Authority (HPA) is due to meet on Monday, June 23, to consider proposed changes to Hampshire Constabulary’s existing estate.
In recent months, the force has been reviewing all of the premises it currently occupies, with the resulting proposals designed to equip staff to deliver. This could include significant development of new custody facilities.
There is a need to make the estate more efficient to achieve significant savings in the region of £50million per year by 2014/15.
However, at the same time, this is an opportunity for the force to develop its buildings to give the constabulary the best chance of achieving all of the chief constable’s priorities, which include providing an excellent service and protecting communities from crime and harm.
The estate review has identified a number of buildings, including police stations, which are earmarked for sale. As the owner of all force estate, the final decision on the future of any buildings is the responsibility of the police authority.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “The proposed changes won’t happen overnight - they will take place over a number of years, and Hampshire Constabulary’s commitment to an active presence in every neighbourhood is strong.
“We will not move from neighbourhood bases until an alternative location within the same community has been found. This alternative location may not have all the facilities of a 24/7 operational base such as a custody block, but it will be a fully-functioning base for local Safer Neighbourhood teams (SNTs), equipped with everything officers, PCSOs, police staff and volunteers need to police their neighbourhoods effectively.
“SNTs will remain at the heart of the community, while response teams, crime investigation and support functions will be based at bigger police stations where they can operate most effectively.”
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