Mobile police station 'first in UK'

The force's mobile station is fitted with glass cells

Police on Merseyside were taking a mobile station - fitted with armour-plated glass cells - on the road on Wednesday.

It is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and is based on a similar version used by New York's transport police.

The 32-foot-long unit is designed to help officers tackle drug crime and anti-social behaviour on Liverpool's streets.

It is fitted with a counter, interview room and two detention areas that are big enough to hold nine people.

Police are taking firm steps to tackle the issues that matter most to residents

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Giannasi

Officers will be able to deal with offenders on scene, which should leave less paperwork to do and more time to spend on street patrol, said the force.

Police aim to disrupt drugs markets and provide immediate support and reassurance for local communities.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Giannasi said: "We see the portable station as the harder edge of neighbourhood policing, enabling us to respond quickly," he said.

Areas tour

"Our message is that when the station is near you, you can be reassured that police are taking firm steps to tackle the issues that matter most to residents."

The unit will spend a week in each of the policing areas initially, arriving first in Liverpool South. Areas can then bid for more permanent visits.

It can be used for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, over extended periods of time if it is needed.

The station also has high-security CCTV fitted, is made of thick steel plating and will be linked directly to the force's computer systems.