Countdown to open the new Cosham police base begins

The countdown to open the new police base in Cosham has begun.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones and Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) for Local Policing, Lucy Hutson celebrated with invited guests on Thursday 19 October 2023 at the site which will be shared with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

The ceremony marked a significant point in the project with work imminently due to start on the interior to ensure the building is ready for police officers to move in by spring 2025.

The new site, on Northern Road, will have a police front counter for public enquiries.

The work beginning at the new-build is another landmark moment in the Commissioner’s plan to open 10 police stations to the public over the next 18 months.

Portsmouth Central is also due to be open by spring 2024.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I am delighted to see the new police base at the fire station start to take shape.

“It’s a pleasure to be sharing the site with our Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service colleagues. There will be clear delineation between Fire and Police, with the police section of the building having a public front counter for people to be able to report a crime or speak to their local police officer.

“People have told me they don’t feel connected to the police like they used to and they don’t see police in their neighbourhoods. My plan is going to change that.”

The force currently has 13 police stations that are open to the public. Under the Commissioner’s plans, the number will rise to 23. Cowes Police Station on the Isle of Wight will be the first to open at the end of 2023.

The force is poised to recruit Police Counter Enquiry Officers to manage front desk enquiries. This will enable police officers to focus on front line duties.

The Commissioner’s decision to reopen police stations and purchase new sites further supports the Chief Constable’s new operating model and his priority to deliver excellent local policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Lucy Hutson said: “Placing Neighbourhood Policing at the heart of our local communities is a vital part of our work and common sense approach to policing that the Chief Constable is embedding across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight.

“The new police base in Cosham is a result of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s support for our newly locally focused policing model, and demonstrates the work we are undertaking to deliver a more effective, more visible service for the public.”

Work starting on the interior of the new Cosham Police Station is the latest update on the Commissioner’s plan to increase police visibility.

Her vision to have police officers back in the heart of communities is further strengthened by the successful recruitment of 650 extra police officers, and her commitment to bring back named ‘Local Bobbies’ to every community which will be in place later this year.