Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews today, 10 March 2023, officially opened a new police enquiry desk in Rutland - delivering on his commitment to improve police visibility.

Based at Rutland Police Station in Oakham, the office will be open from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Friday, and will enable people to report crime or any concerns they have in their communities.

The facility replaces the former front office based at Rutland County Council's contact centre in Oakham, which has been closed for some years."

It was officially opened by Mr Matthews, The High Sheriff of Rutland, Geoff Thompson, and Chief Constable Rob Nixon.

Visible policing is a key priority in Mr Matthews' Police and Crime Plan and he pledged to deliver a front enquiry desk in Rutland as he took up Office in 2021, rightly pointing out that Rutland has been the only county in the entire country that does not have a public facing enquiry desk.

Mr Matthews said: "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."

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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.

"We encourage people to come in and speak to us if they have concerns or issues they would like to discuss. As always, 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."