The project issues
Hertfordshire Constabulary had developed a strategy which included a rationalisation of its property portfolio – including the re-organisation of its seven existing custody suites to four new-build sites. The idea of combining these new custody suites with other criminal (and possibly civil) justice agencies had been raised, and had met with some positive support. The project undertaken by Socitm Consulting was to develop the project brief, and in the process to undertake a high-level feasibility study and business case development, and to test the degree of commitment from the other criminal justice agencies.

The Socitm Consulting solution
The work was undertaken in a very short timescale – the window of opportunity for the Constabulary was very limited. Interviews were held with all the relevant criminal justice agencies locally, and this confirmed a generally strong commitment to the concept, and an opportunity, as other agencies were also facing the need to rationalise their property portfolio. Interviews were also held with central departments – DCA and Home Office primarily – though these were less inclined to participate actively in the project.

As the strength of the case for the approach developed, Socitm Consulting arranged workshops for the local criminal justice agencies, in one of which a detailed simulation was undertaken of how the criminal process might be aided by the combined centres – this helped to provide evidence of potential cost savings (and any negative impacts). One of the key benefits was, of course, the fact that persons held in custody overnight would be held in the same location as the magistrates’ courts – hence the need for prisoner transport was much reduced.

The outcome was a detailed report, indicating a strong business case for the investment, but with a very short window of opportunity in which to act – any significant delay would lose the opportunity, and it would be unlikely to re-occur in the future. The outcome was also a very clear commitment by the criminal justice agencies locally with less commitment centrally, and hence uncertain commitment to the provision of funding.

The benefits to the client
For the client, the project highlighted that the initiative by the Constabulary had been well thought-out and well received locally; it provided evidence that the investment was worth making, and that significant cost savings as well as operational benefits could be achieved. It also helped to cement an already healthy partnership of the criminal justice agencies locally (through the local criminal justice board).

Project identification
Client organisation: Hertfordshire Constabulary
Client contact: Rebecca Turner, PAV Programme Manager, 01707 354473, rebecca.turner@herts.pnn.police.uk
Lead consultant: doug.maclean@socitm.gov.uk 01463 732553, 07802 740761
Project no: 4579