Two more police stations opened by Police Commissioner

19 March 2024

Supt Mark Lewis PCC Donna Jones and Insp Andy McDonald outside Portsmouth Central PS

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has opened two more police stations to the public today (March 19) as part of her plan to improve access to policing for the public.

Portsmouth Central police station, which closed its doors in 2019 will now be open six days a week and provide a front counter service to the public to pop in and report crime. The site is already home to multiple police teams and has been revamped with a brand new reception desk and waiting area.

Park Gate police station, which was shut to the public more than ten years ago, is now open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A number of specialist police teams work from the station, and a brand new front counter is now in place to begin welcoming the public back into the building set in the heart of Park Gate.

These are the next stations to open after Cowes Police Station was opened in January.

Ploughing forward with her plan to put officers back in the centre of communities and better connect the Constabulary with the public, the PCC will open a further seven sites in the months to come to make good on her promise for every district in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight to have a police station open to the public.

PCC Donna Jones said: “Increasing the number of open police stations and front counters from 13 to 23 is driving up police visibility and supporting the Chief’s new operating model to deliver exceptional local policing.

“As Commissioner, the public have told me they want a police service which is accessible and open for business, ready to support the local community and respond to crime. Opening Park Gate and Portsmouth Central is another milestone reached on that journey.

“I would like to publicly thank the OPCC Estates team and the Constabulary for their efforts over the last six months to get both stations open, operational and ready to welcome the public.

“This is just the start. Police stations are also set to open in Petersfield, Totton, Ryde, Yateley, Eastleigh, Cosham and Gosport.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “Being in the heart of our communities allows us to be more effective in providing a visible police presence, keep our communities safe and prevent crime happening. By having more police stations open to the public, we can hear your concerns first hand, proactively target those who are committing crime and ultimately deliver exceptional local policing.

“With the Commissioner’s support, we are putting police officers and staff in the places they need to be and allow the public better access to our services.”

Portsmouth Central police station opening times