Police front enquiry office to open in Rutland

The force will soon be opening a new front enquiry office (FEO) in Rutland – helping to strengthen the visibility of police within rural communities.

Plans are underway to alter Rutland Police Station, based in Oakham, to incorporate a new FEO - giving the public another way to communicate with officers and staff in the area.

Previously the office was housed at Rutland County Council’s contract centre in Oakham, which has remained closed since the coronavirus pandemic began. 

The opening of the facility in the next few months will see a FEO in each of the force’s nine Neighbourhood Policing Areas (NPAs).

Inspector Lindsey Booth, NPA Commander for Rutland and Melton, welcomes the news of the new facility.

She said: “I am so pleased we will be opening a police FEO again. Our local officers and staff already spend most of their shifts patrolling across the county and engaging with the public but having a FEO based at the station will provide our communities with another point of contact.”

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “Continuing to improve the visibility and accessibility of policing across all communities, particularly in more rural locations, remains a priority for the force.

“Throughout the last few years we have continued to expand the different ways the public can contact us, particularly digitally – with the use of online reporting.

“But we know different people prefer to engage with us in different ways and so it is vital we provide as many options as possible. Having a FEO at the station will help to strengthen the service we offer in the area.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “Ensuring police officers and staff are more visible is hugely important to me and I believe having FEOs across the force provides an important service to local people.

“As set out in my Police and Crime Plan, I want communities in remote areas to feel they have the same level of service and access to police that those in urban neighbourhoods. I am delighted the force is taking this step and I hope the people in and around Rutland will use the facility to engage with their local police.”