A decision has been made to make the closure of police custody provision in Watford permanent.

The facility at Watford Police Station is currently closed temporarily but will remain closed following a review of custody provision around the county.

Demand for custody cells has reduced as crime has fallen so it has been decided to concentrate provision in the larger more modern facilities at Stevenage and Hatfield.

The front enquiry office at Watford will remain open and the station will provide a 24/7 base for front line staff including intervention and neighbouring policing officers, crime investigation and senior officers.

Chief Constable Andy Bliss: “By rationalising our custody function from four to two locations there is the potential to release staff to tackle new emerging crime demands such as domestic abuse and child exploitation.

“By concentrating our resources on our two modern and well-equipped centrally based custody centres, my aim is to deal with arrested people in the most efficient way possible.

“This helps me to keep the public and my officers safe and ensure that arrested people are detained in suitable conditions.”

Police and crime commissioner David Lloyd added: “As commissioner I have duty to scrutinise the operational management of the force and will continue to encourage innovation and best use of resources as well as providing the best possible service to the people of Hertfordshire.

“I am confident that these plans don’t affect the number of frontline officers working in Watford and the station will remain a 24/7 base.

“The period of consultation will involve key partners and the public and I am keen to hear everyone’s views.”

The staff consultation period is 30 days and then a final decision will be made.

Anyone wishing to make a comment on the proposals can contact the commissioner at Harpenden Police Station, 15 Vaughan Road, Harpenden AL5 4GZ or email Commissioner@herts.pnn.police.uk by October 23, 2015.