POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall, Alison Hernandez, has today, Friday, March 10, officially opened the police enquiry office in Newton Abbot and has also announced several more openings are on the horizon.

The Commissioner and Chief Constable Will Kerr are today and tomorrow officially reopening the front desks in Tiverton, Penzance, Falmouth, Truro, Bude and, of course, Newton Abbot.

The next phase of Alison Hernandez’s project to reopen police enquiry offices will see stations reopened to the public in Devonport, Looe, Ilfracombe, Honiton, Okehampton and Kingsbridge in the 12 months to April 2024.  

A total of 17 front desks are being reopened under the project, taking the total number of police enquiry offices across the force area to 26. 

Ms Hernandez said: 'Thanks to investment from our residents Devon and Cornwall Police now has record police officer numbers.

'Having accessible police stations close to our communities is the missing part of the jigsaw in providing the neighbourhood model of policing that the Chief Constable and I support. 

'We want people to feel confident in telling us about the problems and challenges they experience before these issues escalate so preventative action can be taken. 

'There is an immediate positive effect of having these stations back open to the public for these communities.

'But this is more than that – it’s about making a long-term commitment to the people of Devon and Cornwall.'

With dignitaries present, the front desk was opened a little after nine o'clock; at this police station front desk one can: report a crime; give information to police; meet the local policing team; get crime prevention advice and find out about victim services.

Of the front desk opening, the mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Carol Bunday, was 'absolutely thrilled for the town', with Newton Abbot town development manager, Sally Henley, adding that 'we have really missed it so it is really a day of celebration!'

Having thanked Newton Abbot Town Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Police Advocate, Cllr Mike Joyce, who has been campaigning for many years to get the front desk re-opened, said: 'It is a wonderful day and I am very, very pleased.'

Chief Constable Kerr said: 'I am delighted we are able to reopen these offices. I believe that providing the public with opportunities to speak to the police face-to-face is essential to building trust and confidence in our communities.

'Devon and Cornwall Police has always prided itself on its community style of policing and for many people, including some of the most vulnerable in our society, offering the opportunity for face-to-face contact will increase the chance of engagement and, as a result, offer a greater opportunity for intervention and support.

'Public enquiry offices are incredibly important – they increase our accessibility, provide reassurance and help in building trust in our communities.'