The county will have its own dedicated mobile station from this month to boost community policing, especially in rural areas.
It will be the forerunner of a three-strong fleet of similar highly-visible stations, with others due to be operating in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Eventually, it is hoped to have a mobile station in each of the seven policing areas in Warwickshire and West Mercia.
The units are large police vans which have been specially adapted. They are being converted for use as mini police stations, kitted out with seating, table and a computer terminal.
Bill Longmore, West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We are committed to engaging with the public and to providing a service that is accessible to as many people as possible. These mobile police stations, which form part of the force’s new approach to delivering services, will hopefully help us to achieve this, particularly in rural locations.”
Superintendent James Tozer, West Mercia’s Shropshire commander, said: “The mobile station will serve a dual purpose through enhancing our engagement with local communities and secondly, enabling local officers to continue working ‘on the spot’.
“The opportunity arose for us to utilise vans to serve local communities and to support our Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams. They have been customised for the task, complete with sliding doors and an awning over the entrance.
“They can be sited wherever needed and will be highly visible enabling people to call in to speak to an officer. We will be better placed to respond to local concerns and needs – a more agile response to incidents and other requirements”.
He added: “It’s all about getting out into the community, staying on patrol, offering reassurance and being on hand to meet and help local people.”
Although Shropshire is the first area to have a mobile police station, two more vehicles are in the process of being commissioned for Worcestershire and Herefordshire.
They will reinforce the service provided by the Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams -made up of constables, community support officers, special constables and volunteers – which cover every part of the West Mercia Police force area.
Shropshire’s mobile station was unveiled at Shrewsbury police station today by Mr Longmore and Superintendent Tozer.
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