New policing hub making a difference for members and the public

15 September 2023

The Force’s new policing hub has been described as “revolutionary” by Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Gareth Jones.

It’s three months since the Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing base in Dafen, Llanelli was opened and the facility is already having a positive impact on members - and even people detained in custody.

Gareth said: “The new facility was long overdue.

“The previous building was not fit for purpose, part of it was condemned and because of that, we had policing teams working out of the small office next to the old station.

“Custody was moved away from Llanelli, the busiest area in the Force, to Ammanford, with Brecon and Haverfordwest acting as overspill stations on occasions, which meant that officers were on the road conveying prisoners and not on the streets.

“It wasn’t very effective, efficient or more importantly good for the wellbeing of our members.

“The fact that we can bring that back into a purpose-built custody suite is great news for our members and the people we serve.

“We’ve been able to bring the whole CID family, crime scene investigators and local response officers together.

The hub is revolutionary

“It’s great to see the impact it’s having on the work of our members.”

Gareth added: “The new hub is revolutionary in comparison to the previous model.”

Temporary Superintendent Richard Hopkin, the Force’s operational lead on the build, said the new custody suite - which houses 18 cells and five interview rooms - had significantly improved conditions for officers and detainees.

“It’s a far bigger, better and lighter working environment, he said. “It’s more modern. It’s got a gym, the locker room is a far bigger area. There’s plenty of parking.

“The security and technology in custody has improved. You can now talk to detainees directly from the charge desk area and detainees can talk to external calls from their cell.

“The feedback I’ve been getting is that it’s improved the mood of the officers working there.

“I was in custody a few weeks ago and the sergeant was saying that detainees aren’t as aggressive when they’re in custody.

“They’re a lot calmer, probably because of the environment because it’s a lot lighter and airier and there’s a skylight over the charge desk area which allows lots of natural light in.”