New police custody and investigation complex set to open in Durham this year

The building, which represents the largest investment ever undertaken by the PCC and the constabulary, will replace the force’s ageing custody facilities and provides a new home for an array of investigative and forensic capabilities to improve evidence gathering.

Developed on land near Spennymoor, the new two-storey hub provides more than 6,600sq m of modern accommodation, including 48 custody cells, office space, interview rooms and crime scene investigation (CSI) provision. It also houses evidence stores, virtual courts, CCTV, an energy centre, medical facilities and forensic examination rooms.

Ms Allen says the investment will “transform the operational capability of Durham Constabulary” and dramatically improve the wellbeing and safety of officers and staff, and their working conditions, while also enhancing the safety of prisoners, CSI capability and the handling of evidence.

Work will now continue to fit out the extensive accommodation ahead of staff and officers moving in, which will start later in the year.

Ms Allen said: “This is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to this ambitious project. It marks the start of an exciting period in our history and is warmly welcomed by the workforce.

“These advanced facilities will have a far-reaching impact on our ability to effectively investigate crime and secure justice for victims of crime. They will also greatly improve the safety of detainees and over the longer term deliver operational efficiencies to be reinvested in frontline policing.

“Our police officers and staff work relentlessly to keep the communities of County Durham and Darlington safe. It is important to me that they work in an environment that is fit for purpose and conducive to their wellbeing and needs, while also equipped with the technology and tools they need to do a good job.”

The project, with lead developer Tilbury Douglas, has been intentionally designed to improve local opportunities, life chances and wellbeing for local people.

The PCC, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners joint lead for environment and sustainability, took the decision to include social value principles in procurement tenders to encourage successful bidders to award goods and service contracts to organisations based in County Durham and Darlington and the North East region.

The PCC said she is “delighted” to have secured total social value exceeding £25 million, including exceeding targets for employability, responsible business, wellbeing, environment and improvement categories.

The development has seen Durham Constabulary become the first in the country to utilise Blue Light Commercial Social Value toolkit. The toolkit was designed to help current and future suppliers of police forces across the country develop their own social value action plans.

The hub will centralise the force’s existing custody facilities, with existing suites in Darlington, Durham City and Peterlee closing.

The new building will facilitate 24/7 cover by medical staff, which cannot currently be achieved across three sites. This will greatly reduce the number of police hours currently lost by transporting detainees to hospital and waiting in A&E for hundreds of hours a year, instead of being on the streets, catching criminals.

It will also allow the force to more effectively monitor and maintain the safety of prisoners while they remain in custody.