The following custody suites are currently operational on a 24/7 basis:
Belfast
- Musgrave – capacity 50 cells (includes 10 cells isolated for detainees with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 symptoms, and 4 cells for use with serious crime arrests including arrests under the Terrorism Act 2000)
North Area
- Strand Road – capacity 9 cells
- Coleraine – capacity 10 cells
- Antrim – capacity 20 cells
South Area
- Omagh – capacity 10 cells
- Dungannon – capacity 5 cells
- Lurgan – capacity 6 cells
Banbridge (7 cells) was closed in March 2020 to allow for an upgrade to the medical room. This work has been delayed due to Covid-19, but is anticipated to be completed by September 2020. Thereafter, Banbridge custody suite will reopen.
Both Dungannon and Omagh custody suites will close for periods of approximately 6 weeks to allow for upgrades to their existing medical rooms. Dates are yet to be confirmed with contractors but when available these dates will be shared with the Independent Custody Visitor (ICV) co-ordinator.
Other than for routine maintenance purposes, there are no plans to close any of the above-mentioned suites. Both Strabane (6 cells) and Bangor (7 cells) remain closed per existing arrangements but are available on a contingency basis when operationally required.
An updated maintenance schedule will be shared with the ICV co-ordinator when confirmed with the contractors.
Work is continuing on a new 21-cell capacity suite in Waterside. It is expected to open in January 2022.
2) A specific update regarding the Enniskillen Custody Suite which has been closed for refurbishment since March 2018.
Enniskillen custody suite closed in March 2018 to allow for a full refurbishment. In the interim detainees from the Fermanagh area have been processed in other suites with the majority being processed through Omagh custody suite.
Due to a number of contractual challenges, the proposed building work has yet to commence. The tendering process has returned estimates of between £2m and £2.5 million for the refurbishment to take place.
The absence of a custody suite has had limited operational impact on service delivery in the Fermanagh area.
As part of an ongoing review into the wider custody suite provision an options paper regarding the long-term viability of Enniskillen custody will be considered by our Strategic Management Board. This paper will be the subject of consultation with all relevant stakeholders, and will include findings from both Section 75 and Rural Needs Assessments, as well as input from police Staff Associations.
The options under consideration include full completion of the refurbishment work, permanent closure and limited or weekend opening. The final decision will take cognisance of our Estates strategy.