Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Victims of crime will have an improved service thanks to brand new state of the art interview suite facilities at a Torquay police base.

Recognising the significant impact that crime can have on victims and witnesses, the new suite has been designed to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for those navigating the criminal justice system.

Friday 30 October marked the official opening of the new Devon & Cornwall Police offices at Pomona House – which will be used by around 100 specialist experts with officers and staff pooling their expertise.

Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan, who cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque at the official opening event, said: “We know that being a victim or witness of crime can be a difficult and frightening experience. Our hope is that these facilities provide a safe environment where people feel able to share their experiences, access the help they need and feel supported throughout the investigation process.

“Our focus is on putting victims first, ensuring they receive the best possible support while securing evidence to carry out our investigations.”

The new interview suite and facilities for victims and witnesses allow excellent access provision, as well as updated IT and equipment to capture video recorded interviews.

The suites consist of two waiting areas, two monitoring rooms and two interview rooms and are comprehensively kitted out.

South Devon Police Commander Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, who was at the important event, added: “Co-locating investigators from different operational teams means we can pool resilience and expertise to support efficient and high-quality investigations, with the ultimate aim of improving our service and outcomes for victims. Not only that, but the building also offers a more accessible location and modern facilities which has improved accessibility for both visitors our colleagues.”

“These new bespoke facilities mark really positive step forward and improve how we interact with victims of crime, ensuring that we capture the best evidence which is the key to the criminal justice process and achieving the best outcome for them.”

“I am incredibly proud we can offer this new facility to vulnerable people in our communities.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People for the Force, commented: “This welcoming interview suite is a fantastic facility for both adults and children in our communities who deserve the best support we can give them. Our dedicated and highly trained workforce are determined to help and support vulnerable victims and witnesses as they navigate the criminal justice system.”  

Officers and staff who work from Pomona House include Public Protection Unit Local Safeguard Investigation Teams, Detectives and Police Staff Investigators, Central Safeguarding Team, police staff researchers and Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Officers.

Also working from the Torquay site are Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offender (MOSOVO) officers and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Special guests who attended the opening event include Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, South Devon Police Commander Roy Linden and local MP Steve Darling. 

Victims and witnesses will be invited to the new site as required. Please note that Pomona House does not have a Public Enquiry Office (PEO) and members of the public who wish to speak to someone face to face can visit Torquay police station PEO in South Street. The office is open Monday to Saturday 8am to 5.30pm and closed on Sundays and bank holidays. You can also report incidents by ringing 101 or clicking on the Devon & Cornwall Police website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police      

The police estate, including police stations and other operational buildings across Devon and Cornwall, is owned by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on behalf of the public,

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, commented: “I welcome the opening of Pomona House and the investment in modern, flexible facilities for policing and partner services in Torbay. Having the right environment for officers, staff and partner organisations to work together is essential to delivering effective services and supporting people when they need help.

"These improved facilities will help strengthen collaboration, provide a professional and welcoming setting for those accessing services and ensure our workforce has the resources it needs to serve communities effectively.

"This investment reflects our commitment to providing modern facilities that support both those delivering services and the people who rely on them, including victims who may require specialist support."

The investment programme will also see new victim interview suite facilities at Force headquarters Middlemoor; these are due to be open next year    

If you have been a victim of crime and need help please visit the Victim Care Devon and Cornwall website Victim Care Devon & Cornwall – Putting you at the heart of your own care

The 24 hour Victim Care support line is available by calling 0808 168 9111.