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Press
& Publicity
Tuesday 12 December 2006 - 241
HERTS AND ESSEX JOIN FORCES AND LEAD NATIONALLY TO USE JOINT CUSTODY SUITE - BISHOP'S STORTFORD
HERTFORDSHIRE Constabulary and Essex Police have joined forces to use a custody suite in Bishop’s Stortford.
The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the country, has been warmly welcomed by both forces and police authorities.
Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Frank Whiteley, said that the initiative was the result of an excellent working relationship with Essex Police and that both forces would benefit from the joint initiative.
“We are delighted to be taking part in the sharing of this facility with Essex Police. It is a fantastic initiative, and one which will enhance the working lives of officers working on local patrol areas from both forces.
“It will have a significant impact on the communities that we both serve and will enhance the already high level of service our officers provide to these localities.”
Bishop’s Stortford custody suite will open as the joint custody suite from Friday December 22, 2006.
It will be open sixteen hours a day for four days a week including weekends and will be staffed by Sergeants and detention officers from both forces.
Chief Inspector Richard Harbon, from the Hertfordshire’s Eastern Area, said: “This is wonderful news. It is a fantastic initiative and emphasises the close working relationship we have with Essex Police.
“This will bring significant benefits to officers from both forces and will have a major impact on the communities that we serve.”
The location of the custody suite is also expected to reduce travelling times for officers from both forces.
Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, said: “This is an excellent step forward in terms of custody provision for Hertfordshire and collaborative working. We will continue to pursue a wide range of opportunities for better joint working with the single aim of improving policing in the county and hope this is the first of many such ventures.”
Robert Chambers, chairman of Essex Police Authority, said the initiative was the result of a good working relationship with Hertfordshire Police and is delighted that both forces can benefit from an excellent facility.
He said: “This is a good example of collaborative work and how it can benefit both forces and more importantly improve the services offered to the communities in Uttlesford and East Hertfordshire districts.
“This is the first step in shared services between forces in this region and we will continue to work together to improve other areas of policing for the benefit of our communities.”
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