New Durham police custody centre due to open later this year

The long-awaited opening of the site near Spennymoor comes after several delays and questions over the cost of the development. 

Ageing custody suites in Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Durham City will close when the new facility opens. Peterlee custody suite will be retained as a contingency measure.

Durham Constabulary's new hub at Thinford will house the county’s only bespoke custody suite alongside forensic and investigative facilities. The decision to close the regional suites came after government inspectors highlighted “the poor physical conditions” in some sites.

The new centre was due to open in Spring 2023 but is now on track to open later this year after Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen received the keys this week. 

The new police hub will provide 48 custody cells, office space, interview rooms, and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) provision. It also houses evidence stores, virtual courts, CCTV, an energy centre, medical facilities, and forensic examination rooms.

Commissioner Allen, a former Labour councillor, said: "These advanced facilities will have a far-reaching impact on our ability to effectively investigate crime and secure justice for victims of crime. They will also greatly improve the safety of detainees and over the longer term deliver operational efficiencies to be reinvested in frontline policing.

"Our police officers and staff work relentlessly to keep the communities of County Durham and Darlington safe. It is important to me that they work in an environment that is fit for purpose and conducive to their wellbeing and needs, while also equipped with the technology and tools they need to do a good job."

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen received the keys to the new site this week (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham Constabulary said the investment will transform the operational capability of Durham Constabulary and dramatically improve the wellbeing and safety of officers and staff, and their working conditions, while also enhancing the safety of prisoners, Crime Scene Investigation capability and the handling of evidence.

And PCC Allen said the project has remained on budget despite the delays. 

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However, rival Conservative colleagues have repeatedly criticised PCC Allen’s decision making during her time in office. Councillor Robert Potts, who stood as a candidate at this year’s election, said the new custody centre is a “white elephant” and lamented police officer cuts. 

He said: “We’re closing things down in our areas, which means that people from every part of the county will have to travel to Spennymoor, and we will lose officers from our communities. People want officers in our communities. They’re not after a massive new unit in Spennymoor, they want police to deal with what’s being phoned in.”

Further details on an exact opening date will be revealed in due course.