New mobile police stations on the road

Dyfed-Powys Police has rolled out four new mobile police stations that will be used by local police teams to engage with rural communities, as well as giving them a presence in town centres and at various community events.

“We listened to what our residents wanted and have changed the way we organise meetings and surgeries,” said project lead Superintendent Chris Curtis.

“Instead of expecting people to come to our meetings, we will go to more places where people come together, eg, local marts, village centres and other local meetings that already take place. We really want to improve the way people living in our more rural and isolated communities can see us and speak to their local police teams; these new mobile police stations are one of the ways we are doing this.”

Supt Curtis said the new mobile stations were a step away from the traditional police vehicle they have used in the past and are just one of the ways in which they are improving the way they are visible in rural communities.

They have been designed and equipped to replicate actual police stations. The vehicles are fitted with satellite technology to ensure mobile data and voice connectivity at all times, even in the harder to reach communities, and are linked to force IT systems, which means police teams can work from the stations while in the community.

“They are designed to be easily spotted and look inviting for the public to visit,” he added. “They also act as a base for local officers to use in communities that may not have previously had any operational police base or station.”

Supt Curtis said it will give the public an opportunity to meet their local police team, find out what they are doing in their area and get the latest crime prevention advice on a range of issues from spotting cyber scams to protecting property from opportunist thieves.

The force said that to engender a sense of affection and ownership of each station, it asked local school pupils to come up with names for the mobile stations, which were then put to the public vote.

More than 2,000 votes were cast and the winning names were Nino for Carmarthenshire, Starsky for Ceredigion, Powysasaurus for Powys and Sherlock for Pembrokeshire.

“The names will be on the side of each vehicle and the details of where they will visit will be put on the force website,” said Supt Curtis.

Dyfed-Powys police and crime commissioner Christopher Salmon said he was encouraging local residents to pop into a mobile police station and get to know their local policing teams.

“I want officers to know – and be known – in their communities,” he added. “That way we build trust and confidence. I’m glad that senior officers are encouraging the effort needed to build grassroots relationships.”