Changes to Oakham Police front enquiry service started today, Leicestershire Police Move To Rutland County Council. Photographs.
Leicestershire Police Force’s front counter service in Oakham relocated to Rutland County Council from today (7th January 2015), allowing residents to access police and local authority services in one shared location. Despite the move being planned over the year ago. Police staff arrived to find their computer and telephone systems had not followed them.
The police enquiry service at Catmose will be open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
The Council’s Customer Service Team will continue to provide assistance to residents between the hours of 8.30am to 5pm (4.30pm Fridays).
There will is a private room in the council reception area for anyone wishing to talk to the police in confidence. This probably a good thing to consider, considering the fact that the desk is monitored by Rutland County Councils CCTV System which Leicestershire Police do not control.
A phone will also be installed on the outside of the council building so that people can contact police when the offices are closed.
Oakham Police Station is now closed to members of the public following the move however officers will continue to be based there, eventually moving to a smaller building currently under construction in the station car park.
The changes were agreed in October 2013 after Leicestershire Police reviewed data that shows fewer people are visiting police stations. As a result, the force has realigned its front counter enquiry service across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to better match demand.
The relocation of police reception services to within Rutland County Council will also benefit members of the public by allowing them to access police and council services in a single location.
Inspector Lou Cordiner, commander of Rutland Local Policing Unit, said:
“The new joint service, together with our new police station, is a commitment to a continuing police presence in Oakham and Rutland.
“In addition to the counter service, members of the public can still access the police through phone, email, social media, web chats and beat surgeries.”
Roger Begy, Leader of Rutland County Council, said:
“Having Oakham’s police inquiry desk here at the Council makes perfect sense and is a move we’re sure residents will welcome. We know that local people value the visible police presence in Oakham and sharing a reception area will also offer added convenience for those who need to access both police and council services.”
