Response times improve since move to new Watford station

Police response times have improved since officers moved to the new Watford station.

In December 2023, officers and staff said farewell to their former police station on Shady Lane which had reached the end of its economic life and moved to a new station in George Street. 

Figures have shown an improvement in how quickly officers arrive at the scene of an emergency call and incidents which require a response within the hour in the last three months.

From 1 December 2023 to 12 March 2024 the response times in which officers arrive at emergency incidents within 15 minutes in Watford has increased by 4.3 percent. This takes the total of emergency incidents responded to within 15 minutes to 94.6 percent compared to the same period last year.

Incidents requiring a police response within an hour has also increased by 7.8 percent taking the overall total to 80.5 percent compared to the same period last year. 

The new building on George Street is a stone’s throw from the town centre, and much closer to the High Street than the former police station on Shady Lane.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “I’m really pleased that the new Watford police station is going from strength to strength, and I hope the news that response times have improved since the move reassures members of the public. Our response times in Watford have consistently been amongst the best in the county for many years, but I understand there were some concerns that being close to the ring road might be a hinderance.  It’s positive therefore to see these have not only been maintained but actually improved further, showing our move has not impacted on our responses to emergency incidents.”

Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said: “Since settling into our new station, it’s really encouraging to see our figures improve. We will continue to do our utmost to get to every incident as quickly as we can and provide the best possible service to our local communities.”