Cleveland Police developing proposal to reuse Hartlepool's mothballed police cells

The force says it is working on a proposal that could see Hartlepool Custody Suite being used again following a review.

The cells at the police station in Avenue Road, which were mothballed in early 2019, may be used to hold suspects when those in Middlesbrough are full.

It could also be used when police mount special operations in Hartlepool where they expect to make a number of arrests.

The proposal has been welcomed by Hartlepool MP Mike Hill who has been lobbying for the suite’s reopening for some time.

Labour’s candidate for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Paul Williams, said he would reopen the Harlepool cells if elected in May.

Related story: Police chiefs lobbying ‘non-stop’ for funding as Cleveland second worst in England for violent crime

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Work has been carried out by Cleveland Police to assess the current custody provision across the force estate, including Hartlepool Custody Suite which is not currently in use.

"The latest data on custody demand in the Force is currently being considered, but the force is developing a proposal that would potentially see Hartlepool Custody used as a resilience suite to provide additional capacity when the central suite in Middlesbrough is full or is being renovated, as is planned.

"The suite in Hartlepool would also be used for proactive policing operations in which the Force anticipates additional detainees.

"If a new Police and Crime Commissioner wished to reopen the custody suite entirely then we would work with them to consider the costs and benefits.”

MP Mike Hill said the force’s proposals were a ‘step in the right direction’ but still wants to see the cells fully reopened.

He said: "Everybody knows that the police are overstretched and that vital officer time should not be wasted in transporting prisoners to Middlesbrough when there are perfectly adequate facilities here in Hartlepool.

“This is a positive step in the right direction, but the custody Suite should be fully reopened so that crimes committed in Hartlepool are dealt with in Hartlepool and I’m pleased that the Labour Candidate for PCC, Dr Paul Williams, has pledged to make this a priority.”

In November, Justice Minister, Robert Buckland, agreed to meet with Mr Hill to discuss the issue.

Related story: Good building blocks for beating crime with more police now on the street in Hartlepool

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