The new Torquay police rooms designed for victims and witnesses

Being a victim or witness of crime can be a difficult and frightening experience. The room where you sit down to tell your story should not add to that.

That is the thinking behind a new interview suite at a Torquay police base, built to give victims and witnesses a safe, comfortable and supportive place to speak as they go through the criminal justice system.

Last Friday (30 October) marked the official opening of the new Devon & Cornwall Police offices at Pomona House, which will be used by around 100 specialist officers and staff pooling their expertise.

Inside the new suite

The suite is made up of two waiting areas, two monitoring rooms and two interview rooms, all comprehensively kitted out. It offers excellent access provision, along with updated IT and equipment to capture video recorded interviews.

Chief Constable James Vaughan cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque at the opening event.

“We know that being a victim or witness of crime can be a difficult and frightening experience,” he said. “Our hope is that these facilities provide a safe environment where people feel able to share their experiences, access the help they need and feel supported throughout the investigation process.

“Our focus is on putting victims first, ensuring they receive the best possible support while securing evidence to carry out our investigations.”

Teams under one roof

Officers and staff working from Pomona House include Public Protection Unit Local Safeguard Investigation Teams, detectives and police staff investigators, the Central Safeguarding Team, police staff researchers and Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Officers.

Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) officers and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are also based at the site.

South Devon Police Commander Chief Superintendent Roy Linden said: “Co-locating investigators from different operational teams means we can pool resilience and expertise to support efficient and high-quality investigations, with the ultimate aim of improving our service and outcomes for victims. Not only that, but the building also offers a more accessible location and modern facilities which has improved accessibility for both visitors [and] our colleagues.

“These new bespoke facilities mark [a] really positive step forward and improve how we interact with victims of crime, ensuring that we capture the best evidence which is the key to the criminal justice process and achieving the best outcome for them.

“I am incredibly proud we can offer this new facility to vulnerable people in our communities.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People for the force, said: “This welcoming interview suite is a fantastic facility for both adults and children in our communities who deserve the best support we can give them. Our dedicated and highly trained workforce are determined to help and support vulnerable victims and witnesses as they navigate the criminal justice system.”

Who was there

Guests at the opening included Chief Constable James Vaughan, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez, Chief Superintendent Roy Linden and local MP Steve Darling.

The police estate, including police stations and other operational buildings across Devon and Cornwall, is owned by the Police and Crime Commissioner on behalf of the public.

Alison said: “I welcome the opening of Pomona House and the investment in modern, flexible facilities for policing and partner services in Torbay. Having the right environment for officers, staff and partner organisations to work together is essential to delivering effective services and supporting people when they need help.

“These improved facilities will help strengthen collaboration, provide a professional and welcoming setting for those accessing services and ensure our workforce has the resources it needs to serve communities effectively.

“This investment reflects our commitment to providing modern facilities that support both those delivering services and the people who rely on them, including victims who may require specialist support.”

Can you walk in?

No. Victims and witnesses will be invited to Pomona House as required, and the building does not have a Public Enquiry Office.

If you want to speak to someone face to face, the Public Enquiry Office at Torquay police station in South Street is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5.30pm. It is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

You can also report incidents by calling 101 or through the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

Getting support

If you have been a victim of crime and need help, visit the Victim Care Devon and Cornwall website. The 24-hour Victim Care support line is on 0808 168 9111.

The same investment programme will bring new victim interview suite facilities to force headquarters at Middlemoor, due to open next year.