A new custody training facility designed to replicate real-world policing environments has been officially opened at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) today.
The purpose-built facility includes cells, CCTV systems, monitoring equipment and a custody van, allowing staff to train through realistic, end-to-end scenarios.
The opening ceremony was attended by Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Assistant Commissioner Capability and Infrastructure Sam Hoyle, Assistant Commissioner Deployment Jeanette Park, and some of the staff central to designing and developing the facility from the National Custody Team and the RNZPC.
Assistant Commissioner Sam Hoyle says this facility represents Police's commitment to safety in custody.
"Around the country, Police manage around 100,000 people in custody each year and we're responsible for their care. Often the people in custody are vulnerable and require intensive monitoring and support," he says.
"This facility allows us to train in conditions that closely reflect the realities of working in the high-risk custody environment."
Assistant Commissioner Hoyle says already seen the value of scenario-based training through Scenario Village, opened in 2024.
"This will be especially useful for cell extractions, which are complicated, technical and require staff to operate with precision to keep everyone safe," says Assistant Commissioner Hoyle.
"As well as being equipped to monitor those detained in the custody training facility the cameras in the facility will also be used to record training and provide feedback."
The facility will be used to deliver training to a wide range of staff including recruits and Authorised Officers.
Assistant Commissioner Hoyle says delivering this facility was a joint project between the National Custody Team, districts and the RNZPC to deliver a functional space.
"This project has shown what we can deliver with innovative thinking and collaboration," Assistant Commissioner Hoyle says.
"Being fiscally responsible was at the forefront of our planning. The space for the facility was previously an unused garage at the RNZPC that has been repurposed.
"A lot of work has gone into the development of the new custody training facility to ensure it is as realistic as possible. This will be significant for strengthening our training for custody."
