Portsmouth police move into Southsea fire station

FIREFIGHTERS and crime-fighters have set up shop together, with police moving into Southsea fire station.
Southsea Neighbourhood Policing Team has moved into Southsea fire stationSouthsea Neighbourhood Policing Team has moved into Southsea fire station
Southsea Neighbourhood Policing Team has moved into Southsea fire station

Senior officers at both services have hailed the move as being of benefit to the public.

The Portsmouth South neighbourhood police team – around 35 officers and PCSOs – has now taken over refurbished office space at the fire station.

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Speaking yesterday, the city’s commander, Superintendent Will Schofield, said: ‘It’s a good opportunity to work closely with our fire partners.

‘It’s important that we embed our neighbourhood policing team with the community they serve.’

Michael Lane, police and crime commissioner, added: ‘This partnership approach is another example of how we can work more effectively and efficiently together.’

Southsea police station in Highland Road, Eastney, is set go on the market after 999 response officers move to Cosham station from next month.

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A team compiling e-fits will be the last to leave Southsea police station later this year.

A response base, possibly at the civic offices, will be in place next year.

Chief Inspector Kevin McCarthy, deputy director for estates, said the city’s south response team temporarily moving to Cosham will not put people at risk.

He said those normally based in the south of the city can use the fire station base or be out in vehicles.

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Mick Thompson, group commander for Portsmouth at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, welcomed the move.

He said: ‘It’s an excellent opportunity to enhance the service that both emergency services provide.’

The police office in Southsea is not open to the public but a front counter is open at Portsmouth Central police station.