Worksop: Trial run for police custody van

The Street-to-Suite trial saw two people arrested and taken to police stations with cells by trained G4S staff in a special custody van.

Previously prisoners would be taken to a custody suite by the police officers who made the arrest.

“Saturday’s operation was a taster and an opportunity for us to consider the potential benefits of a pilot,” said Supt Mike Manley, of Notts Police.

“We often get members of the public asking to see more officers on the streets and this is one of the measures we are looking at to respond to that.”

“If officers spend less time transporting those they arrest then they can spend more time patrolling our streets.”

“I am determined to ensure officers who are policing the Bassetlaw area have the support they need to serve the public and to ensure our communities are safe.”

One man was arrested on suspicion of theft from a vehicle and another for being drunk and disorderly.

They were both transported to Newark Police Station in the van, leaving officers to continue their work at the scene.

Cells at Worksop Police Station closed in 2011. Arrested suspects are now taken to the nearest station with cells,

A round journey to Mansfield or Newark, booking the prisoner into custody, can take two officers off patrol for two hours at a time.

Supt Manley said the trial might now be rolled out into a longer pilot scheme, with a view to being implemented.

The initiative is already used in Lincolnshire, Staffordshire and South Wales.

Notts Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, said: “I’m delighted the police have recognised the problems in Worksop and Bassetlaw. They’re taking action to ensure police aren’t withdrawing from the streets when arrests are made.”