Solicitors warn Torquay Custody Centre closure could leave Torbay 'dangerously exposed'

A group of local solicitors and legal advisers say plans to close Torquay Custody Centre would leave Torbay “dangerously exposed” and could severely affect public safety.

Nigel Butt, of Devon Defence Solicitors and Advocates, has urged Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez to halt the proposal in a letter sent on behalf of practitioners who use the facility.

A copy was also sent to Chief Constable Jim Colwell.

“Torquay Custody Centre is one of the busiest in the region,” said Mr Butt.

“It serves a large population across Torbay, Teignbridge and South Devon, and plays a vital role in keeping local policing efficient and accessible. The claim that only 2,500 people are detained there each year is simply not accurate — the true figure is likely between 5,000 and 7,000. Any decision based on the lower figure risks being fundamentally flawed.”

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The group argues that closing the site would be particularly damaging in summer, when Torbay’s population increases because of tourism and the night-time economy.

“On many evenings, there are only around eight response officers covering the entire Torbay area,” Mr Butt explained. “A single incident involving several arrests — which is not uncommon on busy summer nights — could take up most, if not all, of those officers. If they have to transport detainees to Exeter, there would effectively be no officers left to respond to other serious incidents. Victims of crime could be left waiting for help in a perilous situation.”

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According to the solicitors, shutting the centre would result in fewer officers available for frontline duties, delays to interviews and charging decisions, higher costs from travel and overtime, and significant difficulties for people required to attend Exeter to answer police bail.

“We attend the custody suite daily to assist in the fair and efficient administration of justice,” Mr Butt said. “This proposal will not save money — it will cost more. It will slow down investigations, reduce police effectiveness, and hit the most vulnerable people hardest.”

Mr Butt said the custody centre also serves as a hub for cooperation between police, defence solicitors, healthcare workers and youth offending teams.

“Closing this centre will undermine public confidence and damage the smooth running of the local justice system,” he said. “We are calling on the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to think again and keep custody provision in Torbay where it belongs — local, accessible, and fit for purpose.”