Newly refurbished police custody reopens after multi-million-pound investment

Wiltshire Police’s Melksham Custody suite has reopened after undergoing major refurbishment works to make the force more fit for the 21st century.  

The investment of £3.7m was approved by Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson last year to ensure the facility was fit for purpose and to provide a safer experience for detainees, staff and officers.  

Improvement works have included newly refreshed cells with Qibla pointers for Muslim detainees, autism friendly colour schemes, and higher security observation doors for detainee and staff safety. 

An improved air lock and secure alarm system will also mean better security, and a refresh of the custody desk with wider and taller screens enables privacy and soundproofing, while meeting the latest Home Office guidelines. 

Mechanical and electrical system upgrades have also been installed to help deal with increasing demand and improve efficiency and risk management to better serve the needs of the force. 

The custody suite first closed on Monday 20 February 2023 and since then Wiltshire Police has processed all detainees at Gablecross Custody in Swindon.  

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Ensuring that Wiltshire Police have the proper tools and facilities to deliver a high standard of policing is one of my main priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan. 

“Investment to ensure a safer environment for all and to future-proof police facilities and estate is necessary to ensure Wiltshire Police can continue to provide the best policing service it can to our communities.  

“As with any building works, challenges arose which meant the building remained closed for longer than originally anticipated but we were able to use this opportunity to bring forward additional planned refurbishment options into this phase removing the need for further closures. 

“Wiltshire Police now has a custody suite which is fit for the 21st century, meets Home Office compliance advice as well as HMICFRS inspection criteria. This in turn will help to improve future Wiltshire Police PEEL reports and overall custody standards.  

“Modern custodial facilities will improve detainee safety and enable better evidence collection opportunities to inform investigations and charge outcomes. I am confident that all areas of Wiltshire’s policing will reap the benefits of this refurbishment project.”  

Wiltshire Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “I am delighted to have Melksham Custody open again.   

“Ensuring that officers and staff have excellent facilities to deliver a high standard of service to our communities is a key priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime plan and the Wiltshire Police strategic plan.  

“The importance of a fit-for-purpose custody facility, which supports the safety and welfare of our detainees, officers and staff, cannot be underestimated.    

“There is a significant level of risk managed within any Custody suite both from an investigative and welfare perspective, so these improvements will help us deliver on our commitment to ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’."  

To find out more about the investment in the Wiltshire Police estate, you can read the full Estate Strategy document here. 

Published Thursday 9 May 2024