Halting police station closures would help keep officers safe from coronavirus, says Tory PCC candidate
Stopping police station closures would help keep officers safe from the spread of coronavirus, a candidate for a top police job in the region has said.
Jay Singh-Sohal said using the bases would prevent "too many officers and staff" being centralised amid concerns over officers catching the virus.
Using the stations would also ensure a stronger police presence and help curb rising crime, the Conservative's West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate said.
It comes after figures revealed in a Freedom of Information request showed 101 officers from West Midlands Police have been confirmed as having the virus during the pandemic.
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Mr Singh-Sohal said: "What the Covid-19 crisis has proven is that our police stations are an important community asset, that provide a secure local base for officers to work indoors while maintaining social distancing rules, and of course from where they can project out to deal with crime and non-compliance with lockdown restrictions.
"Policing Covid restrictions has also seen an increased amount of stress factors on officers and PCSOs, who face ever-more difficult scenarios while out on the beat.
"I'm thankful for the work officers do, and want to ensure they get access to the welfare they need, delivered within the safety net of their local police stations to provide for their wellbeing, upon which officer retention is crucial.
"This crisis adds to the reasons to re-evaluate the Labour PCCs policy of centralising too many officers and staff in fewer locations, such as the multi-million pound Lloyd House in the centre of Birmingham.
"In light of the new realities we face, the closure of stations including at Tipton, Aldridge and Wednesfield should stop so we can ensure stronger local police presence and contact with residents in towns facing rising crime."
Chiefs have previously raised concerns forces could face added pressures from having a large number of the workforce off sick or self-isolating as a result of coronavirus.
