Camden New Journal - News: Trial to remove PCs from police stations

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Camden New Journal - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 11 October 2007

Chief Supt Mark Heath

Trial to remove PCs from police stations

Front counters ‘not the best place for officers’

UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of police counter services in Camden.
Scotland Yard officials announced on Tuesday night that the borough would be used to trial officer-less ‘internet cafe’ reception areas, but they refused to comment on the fate of Hampstead and Kentish Town police stations.
Outlining a pilot scheme to start in Camden in spring, Chief Insp Ian Ronald said police constables would be removed from duties at reception desks at police stations, which could be restyled to include banks of phones and internet access points and be staffed by Police Community Support Officers or volunteers.
He said: “We can reduce the number of police officers at our front counters, which is not the best place for them to be.
“People don’t necessarily need to come to a police station, though we realise that there are many cases where face-to-face contacts are necessary.”
Holborn police station will be at the centre of the trial, with separate reception areas being created for members of the public with inquiries and those reporting to police as a condition of bail or for questioning.
But the announcement at the Camden Police and Community Consultative Group triggered long-held fears that ‘traditional’ police stations like Hampstead are to be axed.
Gospel Oak councillor Chris Philp demanded “a categoric assurance that the project won’t result in the closure of any police stations or reception areas in Camden,” while resident Hugh Gracey asked “how PCSOs would manage requests and inquiries in a confidential way”.
The borough’s senior policeman Chief Supt Mark Heath said the pilot would not affect the current Met review of its “estates strategy”, due to be published on November 8, which will determine the future of police stations across London, but then declared a “moratorium on new front counters” for the next two years.
On the future of Hampstead and Kentish Town, he said: “Rumour is running rife... including one about a removal lorry being seen outside Hampstead.
“There is nothing going to happen tomorrow. There will be a public consultation (following the publication of the estates strategy).”
He later added: “We are looking at a way into the new century rather than accommodation from two centuries ago.”
After the Town Hall meeting, Hampstead Safer Neighbourhoods Panel chairman Nigel Steward said: “It appears that the Met’s property people don’t know whether they are coming or going.
“I’m surprised by the announcement of the moratorium since I know for a fact that Safer Neighbourhoods have been looking for front counters in the last two weeks. This has huge implications for Hampstead police station.”

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