Work is under way on the construction of a new custody block at Police Headquarters in Douglas – just days after Tynwald approval was granted.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK was on site this week to see local contractor Island Drainage and Groundworks Ltd start work on the initial phase of the £2.8 million scheme.
The development, scheduled for completion in March 2015, will replace the existing facilities, which have reached the end of their operational life after 35 years of service and have been criticised for being unsafe for detainees and officers alike.
Capacity will be increased from 10 to 20 cells and conditions improved for detainees, police officers, advocates, healthcare professionals and disabled people.
As well as meeting current safety standards, the new block will enable all Douglas detention facilities to be consolidated into one location. This will improve efficiency and allow the Isle of Man Constabulary to vacate the Lord Street police station – freeing up the site for potential development.
The scheme also continues the Department’s efforts to achieve additional revenue savings through capital investment in its infrastructure.
Minister Watterson said:
‘It is encouraging to see work start only a week after Tynwald Members voted to support this capital project. Constructing a new custody block has been a priority for the Department for some time. For a number of years we have been detaining people in conditions that are unfit for the purpose, that are not safe enough for officers or detainees to be kept in, and even with our current low levels of crime, do not offer sufficient capacity for peak demand. It must not be forgotten that detainees are innocent until proven guilty.’
He added:
‘The facilities will enable better working practices and remove the need for overflow units to be opened at times of peak demand, reducing staffing costs in terms of overtime requirements.’
The custody block will feature a modular design, as a traditional build would have cost an additional £1.5 million.
The Minister said:
‘In the current financial climate every pound of capital funding has to be better justified that ever before. I believe this scheme provides value for money and will result in a modern facility that is essential for the safety of staff and those in our custody and care.’
