Boscombe police station re-opens as operational patrol base

Boscombe police station has reopened as an operational base for local policing as part of efforts to improve response times to emergency calls in East Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Response officers, who are the first on hand when a 999 call is made, will use the station in Gloucester Road as a base for their operations.

Previously they would have had to come from central Bournemouth and even though the distances are quite short, the built-up nature of the area inevitably meant delays as officers made their way through traffic.

Local Policing Area Commander T/Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said: “The additional officers we’ve recruited in the last few years means we now have the capacity needed to reopen Boscombe. We’re always looking to improve our service, and people in the area will see an increased policing presence, tackling crime and keeping everyone safe.”

The station will host five squads of patrol officers and has been refurbished to provide them with the necessary facilities. Victim Support, a national charity supporting victims of crime, have been based at the station for several years and will continue to work there.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “Boscombe will once again be used as an operational base to improve response times to incidents to the east of the county and I know that the people of East Bournemouth, Southbourne, Christchurch and Highcliffe will be pleased to have five squads of officers based closer to where they live and work.

“I have and will continue to keep my pledge to the people of Dorset to improve the service, put officers back into communities, and make Dorset Police more engaged and the people they serve."