Okehampton police station opens to public

Residents of Okehampton will now have direct access to police services with the opening of a Police Enquiry Office. The facility allows locals to report crimes in person or seek assistance from trained staff on a range of matters.

The walk-in service is designed to provide a convenient and accessible option for the public, offering support with crime reporting, crime prevention advice, and guidance on accessing victim services. The Police Enquiry Office is initially operational Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 3pm, with plans to extend services to six days a week in the near future.

This initiative comes on the heels of successful openings of several front desks across the region, showcasing a commitment to enhancing community policing. Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, expressed her enthusiasm for the new service, stating, “The community of Okehampton will now be able to access policing closer to home when needing to report a crime or ask for advice.”

Police enquiry officers stationed at Okehampton will collaborate with control rooms, handling non-emergency contact from the public. This additional contact option aims to improve convenience for residents in reaching out to the police and reinforces the services offered by the local law enforcement.

Alison Hernandez further revealed plans for the upcoming launch of police enquiry offices in Kingsbridge, Ilfracombe, and Honiton, scheduled to open their doors before March 2024. The expansion of these services is part of a broader strategy to increase the total number of police station front desks accessible to the public across Devon and Cornwall, reaching a projected 27 by the year 2025.