The forum visits Police HQ in Lancaster

 
Well we're at it again - The Wyre Pensioners Forum forging into new technology - this time a trip, again organised for us by the wonderful Mr. Paul Deacon of Wyre Borough Council to visit the new Police HQ at Lancaster.
There were ten of us this time - probably the promise of coffee and biscuits - we pensioners "al do owt fer nowt".
We set off from the Civic Centre in a pre ordered minibus and soon arrived at Lancaster Policy H.Q. - had to have our photograph taken for posterity and then into the entrance where we were met by the lovely Jan Brown - a C.P.O. or Crime Prevention Officer to you and me, who had arranged where we were allowed to go. (Data Protection Act etc.). She introduced us to her colleague Elaine Betts and told us the mornings itinerary - so off we went. A bit like a Sunday School outing although we didn't have to walk in twos and hold hands!!!

First we were taken to the CCTV operations centre and met two extremely efficient operators who welcomed us to their domain. They were brilliant at answering our many questions. Twenty-two screens in the room from cameras positioned in the Lancaster area, all of which can be controlled from this room to focus on and zoom in on any incident. If it is found that police presence is needed they can phone through to the "bobby on the beat" from the operations room and within minutes, police are on the scene.
Watching the monitors it seems ages for a response but on looking at the time elapsed on the screen it was only minutes - sometimes less than 3. However all the incidents are on disc. They both said they loved their jobs, which was plain to see as their breadth of knowledge and joy of sharing it with us was obvious.
Next we were introduced to the Duty Custody Inspector Dave Hayes who was evidently very proud to show us around the new multi-million (5 and lots of naughts I think) HQ. We were allowed into the Custody Suite which includes where they "book em in", a real state of the art area - cameras everywhere as much to protect the police personnel as the suspects. Those arrested can view themselves on a monitor built into the custody desk as this process is done - this we were told was a great deterrent for bad behaviour.

All this desk area has round edges made from kitchen worktop material to protect anyone from cuts.
Next Inspector Hayes took us to view the area which brings the arrested in from outside in a van or police car. Shutters are brought down from each end of a tunnel, making escape impossible.
There is a holding area off to the side of the custody desk - we are told this is used mostly at weekends when it "all happens". One of our party was heard to say "Doesn't look much like San Quentin"!
There are special cells for "at risk" prisoners - self harm - suicide etc.
Also special cells for drunk and incapable - beds here are very low to the floor 6 inches thereabouts – so that they can’t fall out and hurt themselves. All have toilet and water dispensers incorporated- cleanliness is second to one - even whiffy shoes have a special cupboard that's vented to outside - so no smells.
There are of course high security cells - I think most us were pleased to know we were going home.
Safety features are everywhere - no radiators with sharp corners to bang into, all heating being ducted through the air - conditioning system.
Toughened glass - doors wide enough for 3 people to get through if anyone is resisting arrest - there was much to see and I have not been able to tell you everything, but it was a very interesting visit.
Questions were batted back and forth - yet again we met no hedging and the Inspector was very open with his answers. Diplomacy came through In his speech regarding "touchy subjects" - "humour and a policeman".
What happened to the coffee and biscuits you ask - well that's next.
In Chief Superintendent Gary Stephenson's office, no less, but only because he was visiting Preston H.Q. - he was still on duty.
Jan and Elaine served us with tea or coffee and biscuits told us a lot more of what CCTV can do in Lancaster and our own area, it's a great help in solving crime and also in its prevention.
We all gave this visit a resounding thumbs up and our thanks go to all at Lancaster Police HQ.