Police officers and staff will start using Wiltshire’s libraries as ‘touchdown’ points from March 2.
During a review of operational needs, several buildings were identified as no longer fit for purpose. Malmesbury, Wilton, Alderbury and Westbury police stations will close and officers and staff will use the local town libraries as ‘touchdown’ points to meet their communities.
The ‘touchdown’ points are said to be a quiet space to work, and have a discussion, or deal with something confidential if required. They also allow officers and PSCOs to take a break while on patrol using the kitchen and toilet facilities. Officers will be more accessible to the public while they’re going about their daily lives, it is claimed.
The closed stations were not open to the public and officers have not paraded from them for several years, except Malmesbury.