EDITED BY DAVID ADLER

METRIC
HANDBOOK
PLANNING
AND
DESIGN
DATA
SECOND EDITION Architectural
Press
15 Public service buildings
Derek Montefiore CI/SfB: 314, 372, 373, 374
UDC: 725.13, 725.191, 614.88, 725.188

KEY POINTS: delegations of the public and visiting dignitaries of all kinds have
• Many of these functions are tightly controlled by regulation to be received in suitable surroundings, 15.1. 15.2 is by no means
• Flexibility is needed to accommodate likely future change an over-elaborate arrangement; what cannot be seen from the
• Value-for-money is a major design criterion drawing is the magnificence of the finishes!

Contents 1.02 Council chamber

1 Town halls Few local government bodies emulate the House of Commons in
2 Fire stations their council chambers. Their forms are mostly segmental or
3 Ambulance stations horseshoe, 15.3, and the seating provides at least some accom-
4 Police stations modation for documentation, 15.4. They are sized to seat every
5 References and bibliography Councillor plus a number of Council officers, and incorporate
speech-reinforcement systems. Some chambers are tiered to aid
visibility, and have imposing seating for the Mayor; but others are
1 TOWN HALLS flat-floored with moveable equipment – rather more like a large
boardroom. Some provision for the general public is essential,
1.01
preferably well separated as in a gallery.
Town halls have a variety of functions to fulfil, and many of their
It is usual to have one or more lobbies immediately outside the
parts are covered in other chapters of this handbook. The principal
chamber for informal discussions. Voting is usually by a show of
constituents of a town hall are:
hands, or using voting machines; not by trooping through lobbies.
• A council chamber, with associated lobbies
• A civic suite, or mayor’s parlour 1.03 Civic suite
• A number of committee rooms Some provision for entertaining important guests is essential, and
• An assembly hall (see Chapter 20) this is often combined with the Mayor’s office. This needs easy
• Offices (see Chapter 11) access to some form of catering facility.
• A public reception and information desk
• A cash reception and disbursal facility (see Chapter 14) 1.04 Committee rooms
Local government business is conducted principally through
1.02 Elected members’ accommodation numerous committees and sub-committees. Meeting rooms of
The core of any town hall, county hall or city hall is the various sizes are required; these (including the council chamber)
accommodation for those elected by the public. Apart from the are often available for letting by outside organisations, producing
council chamber itself, space is needed for the Mayor, the party useful additional revenue for the Council. For this reason, if for no
leaders and for informal gatherings of the members. In addition, other, they should be well designed and fitted out.

suite capable
of isolation
when required

party leaders
commitee
officer's rooms
access
mayor's suite

chief
administration library
executive

council
chamber
members' public
sec. relations

press and public gallery members'

access assembly
press lobby
control at common enquiries interview and hall
reception, but cloaks, workrooms room
balcony
capable of transfer wc's etc.
as required
to this point when
main entrance members’ suite
closed members'
access

15.1 Relationship diagram for the elected members’ accommodation in town halls
15-2 Public service buildings

courtyard

west east members'

terrace terrace robing room

12
lady members'
robing room west east
lobby lobby
(public (public
gallery gallery
over) 4 over)
6.25

2.1 3.6
3 3

15.25

council ante-chamber
5.25

(double height)
23

lift lift

mayoress's mayor's parlour members

parlour lounge
11 6
12
secretaries

41

15.2 Hammersmith Town Hall: Council Chamber suite

5
5 5 5 5

2
3

3 3
3 4
1
1
1 1
4

a Approximately 300 seats in b Approximately 60 seats in c Approximately 30 seats in d Approximately 100 seats in
a five-tiered quadrant a three-tiered quadrant a two-tiered horseshoe a three-tiered segment

5 5
Tiered
seating rows
in new
23 gallery

3 3

4 4 3
1

e Approximately 60 seats in f Approximately 30 seats on

a three-tiered horseshoe a level

15.3 Council chamber, various layout types:

(1 = mayor, 2 = ordinary members, 3 = officers, 4 = committee clerks, 5 = press and public)
 Public service buildings 15-3

375 1.07 Public reception and information

where folding seat The current philosophy is for a ‘one-stop shop’. Particularly where
limit of arms not used, and seat
the Council’s staff are centralised, the idea is that advice on all
to fixed seats zone increased to 600,
writing surface should matters (planning, building control, council tax, education, social
be capable of services, leisure) should be available from one counter. Where a
450 extension towards user, matter is more complex than the receptionist can deal with, other
seat zone across circulation zone staff members come to the enquirer instead of the reverse. A few
375 small interview rooms are available for such consultations adjacent
storage to the counter.
use of
possible Literature relating to the facilities of the area should be
folding seat
allows better displayed in the reception area; some but not all of this will free.

writing height
relationship It could be set out rather like a small bookshop.
with writing

700
surface
heig ht

300 1.08 Cash facility

seat

450

Some Council business is still transacted with cash, and a secure

facility will be found necessary. Ideally this should be adjacent to
the public reception and information to continue the ‘one-stop
shop’ theme.

rise depends
1200 min
on rake and
opportunity for
2 FIRE STATIONS
formation of
2.1
steps
Fire stations are required to fulfil efficiently the functions laid
a Section through fixed seating at 600 to 750 mm centres down by the national, regional and metropolitan bodies that
Number of seats in a row limited to avoid disturbance supervise their work. Each fire brigade has a detailed brief for the
design of new fire stations with the aim of dealing with each
incident as soon as possible after the emergency call is received in
where storage the control room, 15.5, and this must be within the government’s
525 required, seat
zone and writing
laid-down maximum response time.
surface increase Paramedics are now to be trained within the fire service;
provision needs to be made for them in new stations. Fire Rescue
600 375
seat zone
Units may also need to be garaged.
Firefighters’ operational activities are grouped into:

Wet/Dirty: mobilisation, call out

writing height

training and drill

cleaning and maintenance.
700
heig ht

300 Clean/dry: administration

seat

450

public interface
stand-down/recreation
arrival for duty.

A fire station may be built as part of a commercial development,

1500 min rise depends but its long-term use must be assured, particularly in regard to ease
on rake and of access and egress, radio communications reception and Fire
opportunity
Standards. Conversely, there must also be no interference with TV
for formation
of steps reception in adjacent properties.

b Section through moveable seating at 750 to 900 mm centres

15.4 Council chamber seating

regional stations (100.)

including specialties such as
river boats, chemical
specialists etc.
1.05 Assembly Hall
While not essential, this is a most valuable asset to a Town Hall;
it brings in further income and also familiarises the public with the direct telecom
and teleprinter
building and its occupants. It may be used for dances, exhibitions,
concerts and recitals; and should have some associated accom-
modation for artistes, etc. central
mobilising
centre
1.06 Offices
The major need is for office space for the Council’s staff. They
may be centralised in one building, or dispersed over many, some
public police
leased from the private sector. The principal requirement is for
999 calls calls
flexibility as, like most organisations, change is the only
constant. 15.5 Diagram of communications centre control operations
15-4 Public service buildings

2.2 Appliance areas

sweep turning
circle circle
15.6 Hydraulic platform (cherry-picker), turntable ladder and
aerial ladder platform: appliance footprint (path):
Roadway width 6 m, turning circle 22.5 m, sweep circle 25.2 m.
Max. length 11.3 m, max. height 3.77 m, max. width 2.5 m, max.
width with jacks out 6.05 m
Laden weight 28.2 tonnes, max. loading weight on either front
axle 6.5 tonnes, on either rear axle 10.5 tonnes, max. single
pressure on one extended jack with boom extension at
maximum 12.4 tonnes
Max. length wheelbase 5.6 m, track of rear wheels 2 m,
minimum ground clearance 229 mm
Most stations have two or three appliance bays. The usual
appliances are pump ladder appliances and turntable ladders
mounted on the basic chassis, and there are other appliances such
as bulk foam pods or mobile training pods mounted onto the
standard heavy-duty chassis. New stations must also be designed
to accommodate aerial ladder platforms (ALPS), which are very
large, 15.6. ALP S are like large ‘cherry-pickers’ with hydraulically
raised platforms but also incorporating ladders. Some will also
accommodate special appliances outside the normal categories.
The appliance area has a minimum headroom of 5 m. Appliances
always face outwards and have a direct rear access to avoid
reversing.
When a call is received the appliances need to get onto the road
as quickly as possible. A separate route and maximum visibility
are required for each appliance leaving the station. Appliances
must be able to turn without crossing the crown of the road, 15.7
and 15.8, which implies the need for a forecourt so that they can
start to turn on exiting the bay doors. A forecourt 9 m deep permits
appliances to pull clear of the automatic time-controlled doors.
Returning appliances should also be able to drive easily from the
return access to the covered washdown area, stopping on the centre
line of its respective appliance bay.
All areas traversed by appliances must be capable of bearing the
load of the heaviest appliance and the pressure of out-riggers; and
also withstand close turning movements and braking stress.

C
19000

central line of road

15.7 Hydraulic platform (long chassis model) turning circle:

Bay width with no forecourt 6.5 m
Bay width with forecourt 5.5 m
Minimum door width 4.2 m
 Public service buildings 15-5

A
B
C
15000

15.8 Pump ladder turning circle:

A=Bay width with no forecourt 6.5 m
B=Bay width with forecourt 5.5 m
central line of road
C=Minimum door width 4.2 m

2.3 Station building
The public, particularly small boys, are not allowed into the fire
station except when accompanied by a firefighter. While the
appliances are out on a call the station is empty. All doors are
automatically operated on electric controls with photo-electric
cells and they close automatically after the appliances have left.
This is important to avoid theft or damage to the building,
particularly when paramedics are accommodated on the station as
they need to store drugs for immediate use.
Everything in a fire station has to be very robust with the
toughest finishes, easy to clean and maintenance free.
15.9 is a room relationship diagram for one type of fire station.
Table I gives recommended areas for some of these spaces. 15.10
shows the necessary provisions to be made for rapid mobilisation,

gen
store spare appliance parking
plant and gymnasium
boiler refuse
store

civil
cleaner dirty/in
clothes

drying
locker room toilets
and showers fire gear fire gear washdown area
store cleaning
drillyard and
appliance tower and/or
catering
wash store mockups
entrance laundry
and fire store clean/out
escape
kitchen,
courtyard detective
kitchen gear storage
dining/ and/or appliance room
stores, recreation/ junior breathing
catering TV open spare
officers apparatus
rest room recreation hose
etc. area store

sand/
foam/
telecom

private Foam
battery

wheel
room

watch officer
stor e

appliance
appliance

study storage
(senior officer) store
lecture room
bay 2
bay 1

maintenance
room
nonmobile
specials
station office reception watch store
(admin) ro om
out

public &
main entrance
forecourt

15.9 Relationship diagram for a two-appliance fire station on one level

15-6 Public service buildings

Table I Fire station accommodation

Above Two-appliance Three-appliance

ground
level?

OPERATIONAL
Appliance Room N 160 248
Slide poles 7 7
Fire gear (uniform) store N 30 40
Operational equipment and general storage N 27 27
Split into wet, dry and clean zones
Operational equipment cleaning N 8 8
Clothes drying room N 10 10
The four spaces above need direct access to and from the appliances, and quick access from the rest
areas. There may also be a small laundry in this area
Breathing apparatus room N 13 13
Storing, testing and overhauling equipment
Fuel storage/pump N
Required so that the appliances can be refuelled in their station. Safety regulations are rigidly
followed.
Oil/paraffin/propane storage N
Sand/foam/wheel store N
Foam trailer garage N
Spare hose store N
Defective gear store N
Maintenance of non-mobile specials store N

CONTROL AND ADMINISTRATION

Watchroom or Operations Centre N 10 10
A critical room off the appliance bay. Must include teleprinter, radio controls, telephones, maps and
route cards. Directly linked to Central Control.
Station office Y 17 17
Stationery store Y 11
Waiting/reception N 8 8
with entrance lobby for the public to visit the station and see exhibitions, etc. There should be a
toilet here for wheelchair users
Station Commander’s office Y 20 20
Watch Commander’s room Y 15 15
with wash area/toilet/shower and office with couch
Commander’s locker and washroom Y 15 15
Fire safety office Y 10 10

AMENITY
Firefighters’ lockers and changing room Y 58 81
Ideally situated adjacent to the appliance room as the firefighters will change into uniform on arrival
and after duty change back.
Firefighters’ toilets and washrooms Y 32 41
Junior Officer study Y 26 39
Junior Office toilet 4 4
Lecture room Y 45 75
Doubles as a rest area with fold-down beds for emergencies and extra standby shifts, video and TV,
screens and whiteboards for teaching and debriefing. If a firefighter is killed or badly wounded a
debriefing may involve several fire stations so that this room should be sufficiently large.
Lecture Storage Y 10 10
Gymnasium Y 38 38
Needs direct or pole access to the appliance area
Quiet/Study Room Y 15 15
May double up as the Fire Prevention Office for public relations
Kitchen Y 25 25
Dining/TV viewing Y 35 40
Needs direct or pole access to the appliance area
Cleaner Y 6 6
Consumables Y 2 2

SERVICES
Electrical Intake N 3 3
Standby Generator N 12 12
Boiler Room N 15 15
Refuse Chamber N 4 4
Gas Meter N 1 1
Communications Y 5 5
with BT/Mercury equipment linked to the Watchroom
Water Meter N

Total 692 865

Total including 30% circulation (except to appliance room) 850 1050

and 15.11 the almost equally important arrangements for standing
down.
Lockers and ablutions
Toilet and changing facilities must allow for the fact that there are
now more women in the tire service.
Fire stations work on a four-watch duty system. Each watch
consists of from 12 to 15 firefighters and a station commander.
Each firefighter has their own locker and gear hanging space.
Taking into account junior officers and standby staff, at least 50
lockers should be allowed for; preferably a few more as there will
be some staff on sick or general leave, retaining their individual
lockers. Their temporary replacements will require their own
lockers. The area required relates to the specific need of the
particular station.
Under present policy men and women share locker rooms with
changing cubicles, but have separate ablutions. This simplifies
matters as the male/female ratio is never constant.
 Public service buildings 15-7

in in

washdown

1 1

2
2

3
appliances
3
4

4
5

forecourt
(min 9m)

out out

15.10 Diagram of circulation routes for mobilisation: forecourt

1 Firefighters to appliances, rear access
2 Staircase or pole access when multi-storeyed 15.11 Diagram of circulation routes on return to fire station:
3 Firefighters to appliances, front access 1 External rear access
4 Duty firefighters to watchrooms and appliances 2 Operational equipment store
3 Operational equipment cleaning
4 Breathing apparatus room
5 Lockers and washroom

On-site sleeping accommodation is no longer provided. This has
eliminated much of the need for recreational facilities, as the
firefighters are either on duty or away from the station with very
few waiting or resting periods.
Recreation
A fully equipped gymnasium is required to facilitate firefighters
achieving the level of physical fitness which their job demands.
Television and darts are two other activities for which space is
usually allocated within the dining/recreation area.
Station office
The administration in a fire station is covered by the station clerk
who is sometimes non-uniformed. He or she deals with day-to-day
routine and reports directly to the station commander.
Fire prevention office
The FPO relates to schools, scouts, etc. advises homes and
businesses on dealing with the risk of fire. It will have leaflets on
(a) Two-appliance station with minimal training facilities:
Site area approximately 945 m2 , the residual yard area approx-
imately 400 m2.
Facilities on such a site will be adequate for continuation
training to be carried out at station level without the frequent need
to go elsewhere:
• station
Training facility of three floors (which could form part of
accommodation), with the ability to test equipment
(particularly ladders)
• Small yard with a single hydrant and as much space as possible
for parking
• Gym and lecture facilities available nearby.
(b) Two appliance station with basic training facilities:
Site area approximately 1800 m2, residual yard area approximately
700 m2.
• Purpose-built
ladders
training facility using a full range of standard

fire and smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc.

The function of the Fire Prevention Officer devolves on the fire • Separate gym and lecture room

station commander in some smaller stations. • Drill yard with a single hydrant and pumping well, sufficiently
large to enable the testing of ladders and the execution of drills
using ladders and hose. When not required for training purposes
2.4 Training facilities
it will provide car parking for station personnel.
Not all stations can sustain the full range of necessary training.
Firefighting is now so hazardous, and includes many more dangers (c) Three appliance station with full training facilities:
than straightforward fires, that firefighters tend to go on special
Where there is a demonstrable strategic area training need.
courses to learn to deal with smoke, toxic fumes, ship fires, etc.
Site area approximately 3100 m2 , residual yard area approx-
Static training for smoke and foam is required on each station.
imately 1400 m2.
Many existing stations have very restricted external space, limiting
the scope of on-station training to an unsatisfactory level. The
minimum provision should not be reduced, even on a restricted
• and
Training tower of four floors, incorporating a dry rising main
additional breathing apparatus training facilities
site. The following three categories are a guide to what can be
achieved, with approximate areas:
• partyingyardoutwithof two
Drill hydrants, pumping well and space for the
comprehensive drills such as water relays. The
15-8 Public service buildings
yard will be sufficiently large to accommodate the turning circle
of the largest fire appliances, the testing of equipment and the
execution of combined drills
• Roof ladder training facilities
• Separate lecture room equipped with audio-visual aids
• Gymnasium enlarged for the training of physical training
instructors
• Derv pump and underground tank.
2.5 Drill yard
This area at the rear or side of the station serves several functions
that cannot take place inside the appliance bays and ancillary
accommodation:
• Vehicle return access to covered washdown area and appliance
bays
• Drill/practice/instruction
• Fuel delivery
• Essential car parking.
The drill yard size and shape will be determined by the site
constraints. Apart from routine training, it may also be used for
special instruction incorporating a mock-up ship, factory or traffic
situation to enable the trainees to gain experience of particular
difficult and dangerous conditions.
The drill yard and tower must not cause nuisance to adjoining
properties, and should not be overlooked by them. Firefighters
under drill or training would not appreciate an audience, and the
control of water jets in these situations is not always
predictable.
Training involves the use of ALP S . The drill yard must be
designed to take their heavy point loading as well as heavy
vehicles. It should have a minimum fall of 1:50 to drain off the
large quantities of water and foam to suitable gulleys.
2.6 Drill tower
Drill towers were previously used for drying hoses as well as
training. Hoses are now made of plastic and do not require drying
out. Thus towers are not always provided in new stations.
Where a tower is provided, it will include dry risers, firefighting
lids, sprinkler systems, different types of windows and artificial
smoke conduits for smoke exercises and use of breathing
apparatus. There is less use of hose reels, now that Building
Regulations have become so sophisticated.
A tower can be either part of the station building or free-
standing. A number of features must be provided:
• without
Up to three working faces, each at least 3.2 m wide in one plane
copings or mouldings
• centres,
At least three drill platforms at heights approximately 3 m
2
each with at least 4.65m clear non-slip (even when
wet), drainable working surface with a minimum width of
3.05 m across the face of the tower
• Orientation to avoid direct sunlight which could be dangerous
during certain drills
• Clearance at the base of the working faces of at least 6 m free
from hazards such as manholes, hydrant covers and bollards
• Ladders must continue through hatchways above drill platforms
level to a point where the top rung is at least 1.5 m above the
platform levels. The ladder apertures to be at least 840 ×
840 mm, and access only by stepping sideways (never back-
wards). Ladders must comply with Health and Safety Standards
as to rung spacings, wall distances and safety rails. Protected
stepping off points to be provided at least 760 mm width
• Instead of ladders, a staircase could be used. In the case of a
tower integrated into a station building, the staircase is
acceptable as a secondary means of escape
• Cleats and anchor plates or points should be provided on each
working face with shackle points of suspension fitted beyond
any sill projections capable of withstanding test loads of 1
tonne
• A section of roofing should also be available to train firefighters
in ladder craft, roof drills and particularly safe transfer of
personnel from vertical ladders to inclined roof ladders. Safety
walkways and protective railings should, however, be included
for the full width of the roof, and safety handrails fitted along
two of the inclined edges. In integrated towers the main
building roof can be utilised as a training roof.
3 AMBULANCE STATIONS
3.1
Ambulance stations are either control stations or their satellites.
The control stations contain larger store areas and a divisional
office, and may have dining, recreation and activity areas. On-site
sleeping accommodation is no longer required. Satellite stations
have from two to six ambulances and deal only with accident and
emergency calls. They do not require dining or recreation
facilities, as off-duty time is spent off the premises, but a rest room
will be needed for waiting and relaxing between calls.
Because drugs may be stored on the premises all doors need to
be lock controlled.
Like the police, more and more control equipment such as faxes,
trackers and radios are in the ambulance, permitting greater use of
these facilities with no need to return to base. However, to provide
adequate hospital cover, ambulances are stationed there for half-
hour periods.
3.2
Apart from accidents and emergencies, the larger stations also
cover:
• Patient transfer
• Hospital to hospital
• Home to hospital for consultancy
• Taxi service
3.3
Regions are split into about four divisions with a central control.
Each division normally consists of about six larger stations and
twelve satellites, varying according to population density. All
accident and emergency calls are received at central control.
3.4 Provision for vehicles
In small stations with less than seven ambulances, vehicles will be
reversed onto their parking bays. The station will have an easy-to-
open individual exit door to each bay, 15.12. Larger stations use
echelon parking with in-and-out access. There must be sufficient
space behind the parked ambulance to permit easy removal of
equipment.
Large stations require a fuel loading bay, but not the smaller
stations. The current trend is towards using petrol rather than
diesel, for smoother running and fewer fumes. A vehicle
washdown is required for each station.
3.5 Vehicle workshops
Vehicle maintenance is carried out in separate workshop buildings,
15.13, covering at least six stations. It does not need to be on the
same site as an ambulance station.
A workshop normally caters for up to six vehicles at a time, so
front access only is required. Larger workshops are designed for
echelon parking with a through-access system. All workshops will
be capable of carrying out day-to-day maintenance and repairs,
including the equivalent of MOT testing, standard servicing and
body repairs. They are not expected to replace engines or
crankshafts or do heavy repairs. Finishes must be robust and
durable and floor surfaces non-slip.
 Public service buildings 15-9

gas cylinders
electrical intake
store
room

disposal
store
Sh Sh
female male
Cl plant
roof light
main locker/ locker/
store
Cl changing changing
disabled
toilet

duty
rest room
room
fire cupboard

kitchenette

15.12 Layout of an ambulance station with six vehicles

electric intake room

battery shop

oil store

spare parts store office

equipment store

compressor oil toilets

& boiler store staff room &
room lockers tyre
store body shop store
2 no. general maintenance bays brake tester bay

2 no. vehicle hoist bays body shop

brake tester
roller rack

15.13 Layout of a workshop for servicing ambulance vehicles

3.6 Duty rooms 3.9 Stores

Duty rooms should be close to the garage, have adequate wall
space for maps and natural lighting and ventilation. Staff in the rest
room must be able to see what is happening in the duty room, so
it should be adjacent with a glazed screen between.
3.7
Lockers and changing facilities are linked to showers and toilets.
In the smaller stations unisex toilets and showers are acceptable.
Elsewhere they should be designed to facilitate adjustment when
The main store needs to be a secure facility close to the garage. It
will accommodate the following in a single area or in separate
stores:
• Linen such as blankets, sheets, pillowcases and towels
• splints supplies such as first-aid dressings, bandages and
Medical
• Paramedic equipment such as defibulators and resuscitators
• ambulance
Spare items to replace equipment normally stored in the

the male/female ratio changes. • Trolleys, stretchers, etc. belonging to de-kitted vehicles
• Expendable items and documents, log books and files.

3.8
A toilet for wheelchair users and other disabled people is needed
although the ambulance operatives themselves need to be fully
able-bodied. This is because members of the public have come to
expect such a facility to be provided at an ambulance station!
A separate store within the main store is required for drugs. This
is separately lockable and alarmed to the duty room.
Blankets should be kept well ventilated and heated.
Dirty blankets, linen and contaminated clothes are temporarily
kept in containers in a disposal store until they can be sent to a
15-10 Public service buildings

laundry. This disposal store should be near the ambulance parking,
but away from clean stores and other clean areas. The same place
can also be used for storing general refuse awaiting removal.
Medical materials including used needles must be in separate
containers for special disposal.
The gas store holds entonox and oxygen in small cylinders for
use by paramedics. This store must be warm and well ventilated
with easy access to the ambulances.
3.10
Some regions still require a small blanket laundry in the larger
stations. However, due to health and safety legislation, with
stringent regulations relating to temperature controls, cleanliness
and hygiene, there is a strong move towards using contract
cleaning companies instead.
Because so much of the work has become extremely technical
and specialised, many of the specialities are accommodated away
from the custody and public departments.
The different levels of the organisation require different building
types:
1 Headquarters buildings with control extending over a force
area,
2 Divisional HQs
3 sub-Divisional HQs, which may be located separately or may be
combined.
Headquarters buildings and police stations are all based on the
same principles, and only vary according to need. A facility like a
custody suite or communications centre is located in the most
suitable place regardless of the rank of the building.

4 POLICE STATIONS
4.1
The police aim to foster public goodwill; their buildings should be
as pleasing and friendly to the visitor as possible compatible with
essential security requirements.
The Home Office has produced most detailed and compre-
hensive guides covering legislative requirements, cost and design.
New stations should be based on the Home Office Building Guide
1994, modified to suit the individual local requirements.
4.2 Organisation
Over the last few years there has been radical change in
organisation. Some forces still maintain divisions and sub-
divisions; others have gone over to regions and areas. Some police
forces collaborate with others to provide support services for their
joint use. Regional crime squads come under this heading.
4.3 Siting
Stations should be near public transport, readily available both to
the local inhabitants and easily found by strangers. They no longer
need to be near magistrates’ courts. However, when they are, they
should be totally separate with no shared facilities.
In busy shopping centres and high streets police posts with
direct communications to their headquarters are proving popular
with both police and public, who provide information there that
might never be otherwise obtained. The authorities are even
considering having police posts in supermarkets.
4.4 Design of the station
The zoning diagram, 15.14, is a guide to circulation.
The public area must be designed with an awareness of the
dangers posed by explosives and people with weapons. It should
still try to maintain a pleasing and welcoming atmosphere. It must
be easily accessible from the police area. Access and toilet
accommodation for disabled people is essential.

prisoners &
police vehicles

security zone

vehicles
and secure vehicle
custody
yard deck

catering
and
security
amenities
zone
prisoners

staff I.D.
entrance operational
parade

volunteers

15.14 Relationship and zoning

diagram for a large police
public entrance station
 Public service buildings 15-11

The reception counter should be located to permit officer-on-

duty supervision of the building entrance. A security screen
between counter area and waiting is desirable in some circum-
stances, so that only a limited number can enter at a time. This
medical provides both privacy and security. Where there is no screen a
examination
privacy booth in or on the counter is desirable.
room
Waiting areas are provided with seating and notice boards for
posters on road safety and crime prevention, etc.
The public interview area is entered off the waiting area.
Interview rooms should be large enough to take several people at
a time and are fitted with taping equipment.
The victim examination suite should be adjacent to the public
bathroom
fire entrance and is for interviewing and medical examination of
exit assault, child molestation or rape victims. It must be pleasantly
waiting

designed in order to reduce stress, 15.15.

visitors
entrance hall

WC
entrance to Found property
examination This is an area accessible only to the police for storing unclaimed
suite
stolen property and items handed in by the public or found by the
store police. No live animals are kept there, although some stations do
have special facilities for animals.
People seeking lost property enquire for it at the reception
kitchenette counter, so this should have easy access to the found property
store. Its size will depend on local requirements. Some forces use
warehouses due to the very large quantities that are collected.
Where no large store or warehouse is available, bulky items such
as bicycles are usually stored in out-buildings.
lounge

Assembly room, lockers, changing and drying rooms

They should be located close to the police entrance. Showers and
toilets should be adjacent to the lockers and to the drying areas
which should be operational in summer as well as winter.
15.15 Plan of a victim examination suite

refuse

kitchen
waste
toilet and paper
showers cleaners
m&f eating area

OI/c paper
communications circulation shredder
control

OI/c armoury
telephone
exchange
message
general secure switch rest
office entry room
OI/c
communications
control

controlled entry urban traffic &

motorway control

modem

control local
room radio

security zone

public
viewing

15.16 Relationship diagram of

a Control Room suite
15-12 Public service buildings

Report writing room 9600

These should be adjacent to the assembly room. Booths and
acoustic treatment are advisable.
Communications and control are central to the police function.

4500
Workload is extremely heavy and the working environment should
be designed to mitigate stress, 15.16. The control room deals with
force or area-wide facilities including VHF radio, and has direct
access to police resource information and criminal records.
Communications rooms are principally used for message transfer
and receipt of information. 15.17 Plan of a prisoner transport vehicle dock
The location and design of the central control room should be
such as to frustrate any deliberate attempt to dislocate its vitally
important functions by physical or electronic attack. Its vehicular
2570 7620
access must ensure an uninterrupted road in an emergency; but no
parking should be allowed within 15 m of its perimeter.

3060

3060
Major incident room
A force will on occasions need to work on serious crimes requiring
extensive investigation, civil emergencies or major incidents.
Accommodation with easy communication connections will be
a Dimensions
required for temporary use by CID, traffic or uniformed branches;
when not so required, it will be designated for an alternative
function such as a gymnasium.

Criminal justice office

This is for documentation of cases to be brought before the
courts.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

kerb
In some cases CID would have their own unit separate from the
line
police station. wall
Operational group provides office accommodation for line

• Beat patrols
b Turning circles
• Uniformed section
• Operational control 15.18 A vehicle for transporting prisoners
• General administration.

Administration covers general administration as opposed to

operational dependent administration and activities.
Traffic includes accommodation for motor patrols, traffic
wardens, garages and workshops.
Garages and workshops may be on the same site as the station,
or be a separate unit with attached accommodation for motor
patrols depending on the size of the area and the number of
vehicles. It is preferable not to have this unit in a busy city centre
where it would add to congestion, and also hinder police cars
quickly reaching the scene of an incident. If the police area
includes motorways the unit should be sited near an access point,
or even within a motorway service area.
Messing and recreation
Catering is usually provided by self-help appliances such as frozen
packaged food with grills or microwave ovens and hot/cold drink
dispensers. In large stations there may be a canteen, but 24-hour
operation is easier to control through packaged meals.
Toilets
Lavatory accommodation is related to size of station and
disposition of rooms. Separate provision is made for:
• Male sergeants, constables and civilian staff

The police car is becoming more ‘high tech’, with built-in • Senior officers
Female sergeants, constables and civilian staff

computers in addition to two-way radios. It is becoming an office • Chief constables and assistant chief constables have
in its own right, so that there is less need for the occupants to • facilities en-suite

report in person to a police station.

• Visitors, usually located at the public entrance

Prisoners’ vehicle dock • Disabled people, also close to the public entrance

This must be provided away from the main police vehicle yard;
totally secure and adjacent to the prisoners’ entrance to the
building, 15.17. 15.18 gives data for the prisoner transport
vehicle.
Identification parade facility
This has to be carefully sited outside the custody area but linked to
it by a secure access route. Witnesses should be rigidly segregated
from each other, and from all members of the parade before,
during and after the parade; there must be no possibility of
physical contact at any time, or visual contact except during the
parade itself, 15.19. Toilet facilities should be available for
witnesses and volunteers.
• Cell accommodation.
Blast proofing is now mandatory for all police stations; no car
parking should be positioned within 15 m of the buildings, 10 m
for operational vehicles.
Mechanical ventilation and cooling is provided for information
and communications accommodation without natural ventilation.
Emergency electrical supply is essential throughout, not only for
power failure but also in the event of fire. In large stations it will
be necessary to ensure continuity of supply to the custody suite,
radios, computers, teleprinters, and communication service equip-
ment, and must have ‘direct on-line automatic start’.
An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) will be required for
computer areas.
 Public service buildings 15-13

4.5 Custody suite
This includes detention rooms, charge desk(s) and ancillary
accommodation, 15.20 and 15. 21. The police have to be alert to the
possibility of someone in custody attempting suicide. Care needs
to be taken to avoid this eventuality particularly in the design of
the cells (see Section 4.6 below).
The custody area should be securely separated from other parts
of the building. It should be located on a single level to avoid
moving prisoners up and down stairs which should be avoided at
all costs. Where minor changes in level are unavoidable internally
or externally, ramps should be used.
Corridors and cells for female prisoners should be segregated
from those for male prisoners. Each should have separate access to
the exercise yard. Detention rooms for juveniles should also be
separate from adult areas.
Catering
Prisoners and police within the custody area need to be fed.
However, a kitchenette within the custody area is undesirable as it
would divert the custody officer from essential tasks and also be a
fire risk. The self-catering facility in the amenity area is also
unacceptable as it would take officers away from the custody area.
There is little alternative, therefore, to a staffed kitchen imme-
diately outside the custody area preparing food in compliance with
food hygiene regulations and providing the meals close to the
users. If there is a canteen which is fully staffed for 24 hours, this
may be used.
Provision for disabled people is not required for the custody
suite which is exempt from the provisions of Part M of the
Building Regulations.
Detention suite
This is a facility where the WC is outside the cell, 15.22, where
additional washing facilities can be securely provided.
WCs
The compartment should have a stable-type hinged door, not a
sliding one, with an observation aperture. The cistern should be
outside the compartment with secured access and a protected
flushing pipe. The flushing device should be outside the reach of
a prisoner attempting suicide by drowning, and should not be a
chain or project from the wall. There should be no projecting toilet
roll holder, exposed overflow pipe, bracket, service pipe or
stopcock. Fittings should be not be able to be broken or extracted
to make tools or weapons.

witnesses out

witnesses suspects
statements

witnesses
statements
viewing area

parade
room

volunteers
room volunteers

witnesses
assembly

witnesses in
security zone
vehicle entry

15.19 Plan of an identity parade suite 15.20 Relationship and zoning diagram for a custody suite
15-14 Public service buildings

cell 2
cell 1
exercise yard
cell 3

external gate
and grille matron

female custody

bedding
cell 4 cell 3 cell 1 bedding
cell 2 office

male
custody
charge office
room
cell 5 cell 6 cell 7 cell 8 cell 9
surgeon

1/2 privacy
doors
prisoner’s entrance lobby
det.
room

intoximeter
vehicle dock holding
room det.
room
cleaner

photography/
fingerprints
tape

interview
solicitors
store

15.21 Plan of a custody suite (for security reasons this is based

on the design principles, but is not an actual example)

taped taped taped

interview interview interview

service
wash to front office
duct
basin

shower detention
WC
suite lobby

850 Washing facilities

Basins should not be inside cells. They should be supported on
metal stands, not cantilever brackets, and provided with captive
plugs without chains. Towel holders are not used as the towels could
assistance assistance be used to facilitate suicide, and the holder would provide points to
call button call button
which a ligature could be attached. Facilities for female prisoners
must be properly screened. For use inside cells, prisoners are
2000
3000

provided with disinfectant/cologne-impregnated washpads as on

detention room detention room aircraft.

bed/bench bed/bench 750 Cell corridor

glazed brick window
15.22 Plan of a detention suite
The entrance should be fitted with an iron gate. The corridor
should have alarm pushes for the custody officer’s use if attacked.
glazed brick window
There should be no exposed pipes, valves, electric cables or
conduit, and any thermometer should be outside the reach of a
passing prisoner.
 Public service buildings 15-15

with larger panes. Glass should not be replaced for ventilation

purposes with, for example, perforated zinc.
control
130
viewer
Ceilings
Most suspended ceilings can be easily broken, giving access to
600
other parts of the building and possibly providing improvised tools
or weapons.
H.O approved cell door
ceil window

handwash fitting with service

1200

2500

600
hatch and Doors
stainless wc push observation
steel wc button viewer All doors should be prisoner-proof and flush.
low solid screen
assistance Cell furniture
built in
call button These should not be of timber or able to be prised loose to make
bed/bench
2100 × 800 a tool or a weapon.
service duct

850
duct access Ventilation
door
Casings to trunking should be secure against breakage and use by
prisoners to facilitate suicide. Grilles under cell benches should be
900 securely fixed using non-withdrawable screws. High-level air
vents with perforations should not be larger than 4.7 mm diameter,
15.23 Plan of a custody cell of a material that will break under load and fitted flush with the
wall surface.

Exercise yard
The walls should be high enough to prevent a prisoner escaping, at
least 3.6 m. There should be no ledges or other features which
enable a prisoner to climb. However, where for any reason the
height and detailing of the walls are deemed insufficient to prevent
escape, a top cover may be used. There should be no doors or
windows opening into the yard which might enable a prisoner to
reach the top cover, nor any unlockable inspection chamber covers
or gully gratings which could be lifted. Rainwater and soil pipes
should be flaunched up in cement mortar to obviate handholds.
Lighting
Cell light fittings should be fitted flush with the ceiling with
unwithdrawable screws. They should have twin lamp holders and
plastic lenses. Electrical supplies should not be exposed and the
switches should be outside the cell with cover plates that cannot be
removed to gain access to live parts.
Heating
Electric radiant heaters with exposed wiring should not be used to
heat cells, neither should exposed hot water radiators. There
should be no protrusions of any kind to which a ligature could be
attached.

4.6 Cell design Cell call system

The Police Design Guides are explicit in their requirements This should comprise a press button within the cell fitted flush
reflected in a typical design, 15.23. with the wall operating a bell and indicator light externally. It
should be on a separate circuit from the lighting, and the indicator
Windows light board should be under constant observation by the officer-in-
Cell windows which are unguarded and with openable panes charge.
should not overlook roads or other public areas. Windows
overlooking exercise yards should be both guarded and screened to Maintenance
prevent observation. Windows to ancillary accommodation within Damaged cells should be withdrawn from use.
the cell suite such as blanket store, property store, cell corridor,
gaoler’s room, toilets, etc. should all be guarded. The glazing
should be of toughened opaque glass fitted flush to the wall with 5 REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
no protrusions to facilitate injury or suicide, or ledges facilitating Home Office Building Guide 1994
escape and attacks on officers. The thickness of the glass increases NHS Estates, Health Building Note 44
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