Leader's blog - 21 January 2025

Community safety is a cornerstone of any thriving society. Yet in Basildon, this principle is under threat due to a decision from the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner that could have profound consequences: the proposed closure of the Basildon custody suite. This move, far from being a step forward, risks leaving our community underserved, our police overstretched, and our residents vulnerable.

Basildon is one of Essex's largest and most diverse boroughs. It boasts a proud history, a vibrant community, and unique challenges. This is a brilliant borough to live, work and raise a family. However, effective policing in such an environment demands not just investment but strategic foresight. Unfortunately, the decision of the Police Commissioner and Chief Constable to close the Basildon custody suite undermines this.

Currently, police officers in Basildon already spend significant time travelling to Southend to process detainees. This takes them away from active policing duties within our borough. Closing the local custody suite will only exacerbate this issue, leaving fewer officers available to respond to incidents, engage with the community, and address local concerns. It's also incredibly expensive. The amount of money being spent on overtime whilst police officers combat rush hour traffic on the A127 is totally counterproductive to arguments that it will save money.

This isn't just about numbers or logistics. It's about the human impact on a community that deserves to feel safe and secure. When police visibility decreases, public confidence erodes. When residents feel abandoned, fear grows. Basildon cannot afford to lose that trust. We want our police officers on patrol in the borough, not in traffic jams on the A127, Southend-bound.

While the closure of the custody suite has been presented as a cost-saving measure, the reality is far more complex. Increased travel between Basildon and Southend will result in higher fuel costs, greater wear and tear on vehicles, and additional strain on resources. Officers will need overtime to compensate for extended processing times, adding further financial burdens.

The most worrying cost, however, is less tangible: the cost of unresolved crime. Logistical burdens may deter arrests, leading to an increase in unaddressed offences and a potential rise in criminal activity. Such outcomes are not only unacceptable but also preventable.

The decision to remove this essential facility sends a disheartening message to the people of Basildon. At a time when concerns about crime and safety are rising, this move threatens to weaken the foundations of public safety. Basildon's residents expect and deserve a robust, responsive police force that prioritises their welfare.

Investing in community safety means more than just keeping the lights on at a police station. It means ensuring that our officers have the tools, resources, and infrastructure they need to protect and serve effectively. Removing the custody suite does the opposite, creating barriers to efficient policing and risking the welfare of our community.

Basildon's challenges demand greater investment, not less. Retaining the custody suite is essential to maintaining an effective, visible, and responsive police presence. More than that, it is a statement of commitment to our community—a promise that we will not allow financial expediency to override the safety of our residents.

We need smarter solutions, not short-term fixes. Collaboration between local government, law enforcement, and community stakeholders can identify ways to achieve efficiencies without compromising public safety.

It's time to rethink this decision and reaffirm our commitment to community safety—because Basildon deserves better.

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Published 21 January 2025