Future of Torquay police facilities to be discussed amid ‘serious risk’ fears

Talks are due to take place next week on the future of the custody suite at Torquay’s police station.

Local politicians are anxious that the rumoured closure of the suite at the South Street station will create problems not just for Torbay police, but will also put heavy demands on the capacity of similar facilities in Exeter and Plymouth.
Devon and Cornwall Police say no decision has yet been made on the future of the Torquay custody suite, and all that has happened so far is a review into facilities across the county.
But Torbay’s Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling has raised a number of concerns.
In a letter to Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez he said local feedback, including the opinions of retired police officers and local solicitors, highlighted serious risks.
The Torquay custody centre is among the busiest in the region, processing close to 5,000 detainees annually, he said.
“Torbay’s night‑time economy and summer influx of visitors generate high levels of disorder and violent crime,” he added. “With limited officers available, transporting detainees to Exeter or Plymouth would leave Torbay dangerously exposed.”
He said the 40‑mile round trip to Exeter or Plymouth would divert officers from frontline duties, undermining public safety and confidence. Centralising detainees in Exeter or Plymouth would slow interviews, forensic work and charging decisions, while complicating access for solicitors, healthcare staff and interpreters.
Poor transport links between Torbay and Exeter or Plymouth would create barriers for vulnerable individuals, he added, and any perceived savings would be offset by increased travel, overtime, and inefficiencies across the justice system.
“Torquay’s custody suite is a vital hub for collaboration with solicitors, healthcare professionals and youth services,” said Mr Darling. “Closure would disrupt these partnerships and reduce safeguarding standards.”
Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwill said he had commissioned a review to explore how improvements can be made.
In a statement he added: “No final decision has been made.
“It is vital that we improve the capacity, resilience and operating environment of our custody estate. Our current provision presents strategic and operational challenges creating welfare, health and safety risks for staff and detainees.”
He said the cost of running the current suites exceeded police budgets, and costly improvements were needed to bring some custody suites up to safety compliance.