Police front enquiry office opens in Rutland

Residents in Rutland now have another way to engage with their local police - thanks to the opening of a new front enquiry office (FEO).

The facility is now open for people in the area to report any issues or concerns they may have.

Based at Rutland Police Station, in Oakham, the office is open 10am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Continuing to improve the visibility of police, particularly in rural communities, is a priority for the force. It is hoped the opening of the FEO will help by providing the public with another to make contact.

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

The new facility was officially opened by The High Sheriff of Rutland Geoff Thompson, alongside Chief Constable Rob Nixon and Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews.

 

Mr Nixon said: “Continuing to improve the visibility and accessibility of police across all communities is a key priority for the force and in rural locations, like parts of Rutland, it is even more important.

“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.”

Inspector Lindsey Madeley-Harland, NPA Commander for Rutland and Melton, said: “It is great to have a FEO open again. This facility is an extension of the service we already provide in Rutland and offers people in the county another point of contact.

“Our local officers and staff will still be policing across the region – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – patrolling the streets, engaging with our communities and responding to incidents.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews added: “Being able to see and talk to a police officer matters a great deal to our communities. 

“Rutland has been the only county in the country not to have a public facing enquiry desk, so I’ve pushed very hard for this.  I’ve listened to local people who feel very strongly about the need for a contact point to meet officers in the heart of the community and this new facility is the result.

“I recognise that feelings of safety go hand in hand with the ability to see police officers doing their jobs effectively in the community. This is what makes this provision so important. 

“This latest improvement will help to reassure residents that we are working hard to deliver the responsive service they expect. It also represents excellent value for money, eliminating rental costs and providing a secure base in the long-term.”