IN PICTURES: Behind the scenes at multi-million new custody suite
Police bosses have hailed a new custody 'super-block' as the most efficient way of dealing with criminal suspects for decades.
The multi-million pound block in Oldbury will open on March 22 and chiefs say the design will be the biggest step-up in custody policing.
Experience from other police forces show that building similar facilities leads to a reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.
It comes as a similar Perry Barr custody block is due to open in the coming weeks.
Inspector Bal Mand, who will be part of the site management, added: "It has been three years in the planning and taken two years to build so it is a complex building.
"But this will be the biggest step up in custody for West Midlands Police in 30 years.
"In terms of custody this will bring about a huge improvement from the way detainees are brought in to how they are dealt with after.
"The design has allowed staff to be at the forefront of safety too."
A report in 2010 showed that many of the force's existing custody suites were outdated and inefficient.
The new builds are hoped to improve efficiency, working practices and will include state-of-the-art digital technology.
The second floor in Oldbury comprises of office space, while downstairs is where suspects will be transported in and out.
People who have been arrested will be taken to the site in the same way they are taken to custody within existing police stations.
Priority level cells and panic alert 'strips' are included throughout wings for ease of contact.
The 60-cell facility in Oldbury was originally due to open in June last year and the suite in Holford Drive, Perry Barr, was due to open in November.
Builders Willmott Dixon, who were behind the £20m deal for the build on vacant land on Bromford Road, were left facing a penalty of more than £1 million following delays of both blocks last year.
At the time Chief Constable Dave Thompson said his faith in the firm, which is also carrying out the £33m revamp of the force's Lloyd House HQ, had been 'dented'.
Smethwick Police Station will be the first to move its operations over to the site on March 8, where system and site tests will be underway until its official opening on March 22.
An open afternoon at the new building will be held on March 5 between 12.30-5pm, where staff will be available to answer questions and show people around.
