A facility for holding suspected criminals in Stoke-on-Trent is set to undergo a £3.9 million upgrade – after being found 'wanting' in an independent survey.

Staffordshire Police's northern area custody facility (NACF), in Etruria, has received 'little to none' major investment since it opened in 1993.

A survey carried out by the National Police Estates Group (NPEG) in 2021/22 found that the site needed improvements in a number of areas. And Staffordshire Police has found that staff are reluctant to work at the NACF due to a lack of on-site facilities.

Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams has now approved a business case to carry out a refurbishment project at the NACF. The planned works will include an upgrade to the building's CCTV cameras, which is expected to improve safety and productivity.

Staffordshire Commissioner, Ben Adams, has approved a business case to carry out a refurbishment of the premises (LDRS).

A report on the decision states: "The investment into site will not only address NPEG concerns but provide modern, fit for purpose facilities for the staff on-site. Custody struggles to attract and retain staff due to the lack of facilities for on-site staff.

"The business case sets out the risks which are posed to the force, which will be mitigated by undertaking and delivering this project."

According to a comment from the finance officer, the upgrades in CCTV 'should reduce the need to abstract front line officers to undertake individual cell watches increasing productivity and front line visibility'. Now that the business case has been approved, the project will proceed to a competitive tender so a contract for the works can be awarded.

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READ MORE: Stoke-on-Trent care home could close due to 'funding issues'

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