These are, I accept, complex issues involved in Police facilities. One strong argument for Police Stations (of whatever size) is that they provide a physical Police presence. Some towns have mobile Police Stations which are located for periods in diferent parts of the town. Police Stations also provide protected locations where people can be interviewed. Are the myriad Police staff on bikes expected to meet and talk to people in cafes or on park benches?It's very encouraging that Ealing Police has replied on this thread.The police asset management plan floated for Ealing some three years ago was for a large warehouse somewhere in Ealing to be armoured and all Police vehicle, weapons, custody cells and vehicles would be housed here. There would be no public access. Hundreds of people objected to this plan in writing and I have ceratinly heard nothing more about it.Remember the original plan for Safer Neighbourhood Policing? This envisioned small Police 'Shops' in each of the 23 Wards in Ealing. This got watered down to very often one of these small Police shops covering two Wards. When these Police shops became operational they never actually 'opened' ie there was no access by the public. I always suspected that the intention was for them to have a desk for public enquires but possibly budget restrictions prevented this.Public access at Ealing Police Station has only recently improved as a civilian (volunteer?) is now handling reception and he actively approaches the queuing pubilc to asceratain their needs.
Eric Alan Leach ● 4981d