Police stations open in 2010 and currently open

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026781

I note you seek access to the following information:

I am getting in touch in relation to some we are putting together for the programme, and I was wondering if you might be able to help us out with some statistics, please?

A number of our listeners across the country have been concerned with police stations closing in their local community, and I was wondering if you might be able to send me the number of Metropolitan Police stations that were open in 2010 and the number that are currently open?

Alongside this, I would also appreciate any further information to explain why certain stations have closed.

We are collating these statistics from forces across the country, and I'd be incredibly grateful if you're able to help as soon as possible.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

A police station is defined as an operational building with a front counter. As of 31/12/2010 there were 142 front counters open. As of 14/10/2022 there are 36 front counters open.

There are regular reviews of the use and purpose of all MPS buildings. In 2013 the Local Policing Model was developed, and under this plan, a number of Front Counters were closed. In July 2017, a Public Consultation was launched by the Mayor of London to consider the future ‘Public Access and Engagement Strategy’. The findings and decisions from that consultation were published by the Mayor on the 1 November 2017 including the decision to close a number of front counters. Other sites reached the end of their economic life and were deemed surplus to police requirements.

All building closures support the change programme, and form part of the wider Estates strategy discussed and agreed within Senior Management Board within the MPS.