New police custody training facility officially unveiled for Wrexham University Policing students
Policing students at Wrexham University are benefiting from a new custody suite installed on campus, thanks to recycling of a facility previously utilised by North Wales Police.
The new police custody training facility has been created in a bid to encourage and enhance scenario-based learning for the University’s Professional Policing degree students.
The custody desk, which has been decommissioned from use in North Wales, was provided in partnership with North Wales Police and Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin.
The development of the mock custody unit was identified by the University’s Professional Policing team, as part of ongoing efforts to improve hands-on student training opportunities.
To celebrate the launch of the new facility, Policing students and staff came together with representatives from North Wales Police, as well as Mr Dunbobbin to officially unveil the space.
Andy Jones, Senior Lecturer in Professional Policing, said: “It was fantastic to officially unveil our unique, new police custody training facility to students and stakeholders to showcase the custody suite in action and highlight the many benefits this new facility will provide our students with.
“Entering a custody suite can be an intimidating experience during the early stages of an officer’s career, so this new facility will aim to grow students’ confidence by exposing them to the types of situations they may encounter in real-life custody environments, including handling vulnerable individuals and managing other challenging situations.
“The new facility will also encourage inter-professional working as it will also be utilised by our Law, Criminology, Social Work, Forensic Science and Paramedic students, who may encounter similar scenarios in their careers.
“A huge thank you to colleagues at North Wales Police, as well as Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin for their support with this, and allowing us to use their decommissioned custody desk for the benefit of our students’ learning experience.”
Professor Joe Yates, Wrexham University Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our new custody training facility is designed to provide our Professional Policing students with hands-on training in real-life custody scenarios. By simulating the process of booking individuals into custody, we aim to better prepare the next generation of police officers for the challenges of law enforcement.”
Yasmin Lloyd-Williams, a third-year Professional Policing student, said: “I think the new police custody training unit is a brilliant addition to the University’s facilities and part of our learning experience.
“It’s not only a great stepping stone to prepare us for real-world custody situations, it’s also a real confidence booster for us. Alongside my studies, I’m also a Special Constable with North Wales Police and I know first-hand that as a Special you get limited exposure to custody situations, so this will be brilliant hands-on learning for us.
“I’m finding that combining my degree and my role as a Special is helping cement my knowledge, it all goes hand in hand, which is great.”
Mr Dunbobbin added: “It was a pleasure to visit Wrexham University and inaugurate the new custody desk. This facility will provide Professional Policing students with valuable, practical insight into life as an officer in a custody suite, and I’m equally pleased that students from other disciplines will benefit.
“This project is a great example of recycling with purpose, as well as community engagement for the benefit of education and local people.”
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