Wrexham University unveils new police custody training facility for policing students

Wrexham University has launched a new, cutting-edge police custody training facility, giving professional policing students the chance to experience the reality of life behind the custody desk.

The facility repurposed from an old North Wales Police suite, was donated and transformed into a hands-on learning centre to encourage and enhance scenario-based learning.

According to Deeside, this new space allows students to practise real-world scenarios and apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life policing.

At the official opening of the facility, students and staff were joined by representatives from North Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin.

Commemorating the launch of the unique educational space, Mr Dunbobbin said: “This project is a great example of recycling with purpose, as well as community engagement for the benefit of education and local people.”

Andy Jones, Senior Lecturer in professional policing, said: “It was fantastic to officially unveil our unique, new police custody training facility to students and stakeholders to showcase the custody suite in action and highlight the many benefits this new facility will provide our students with.

“This new facility will aim to grow students’ confidence by exposing them to the types of situations they may encounter in real-life custody environments, including handling vulnerable individuals and managing other challenging situations.

Andy also explained that the space will also be used by “law, criminology, social work, forensic science and paramedic students, who may encounter similar scenarios in their careers.”

Wrexham University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joe Yates, added: “By simulating the process of booking individuals into custody, we aim to better prepare the next generation of police officers for the challenges of law enforcement.”

With this state-of-the-art training facility, Wrexham University is helping shape the future of policing by bridging the gap between theory and practice.

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Speaking with Deeside, third year professional policing student, Yasmin Lloyd-Williams said: “I think the new police custody training unit is a brilliant addition to the University’s facilities and part of our learning experience.

“It’s not only a great stepping stone to prepare us for real-world custody situations, it’s also a real confidence booster for us. Alongside my studies, I’m also a Special Constable with North Wales Police and I know first-hand that as a Special you get limited exposure to custody situations, so this will be brilliant hands-on learning for us.

“I’m finding that combining my degree and my role as a Special is helping cement my knowledge, it all goes hand in hand, which is great.”

Featured image via Wrexham University

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