MP calls for investment in community policing in wake of Police front desk reopening

Honiton's MP has called for extra investment in community policing after attending the re-opening of the front desk at the town's police station.

On Tuesday, Richard Foord MP joined Police Officers, civic leaders across East Devon, and pupils from local schools to cut the ribbon and celebrate the reopening of the front desk at Honiton.

It will be an access point for much of East Devon, with Councillors present from as far away as Axminster and Sidmouth.

The desk will be staffed by Police Enquiry Officers and will enable members of the public to speak to an Enquiry Officer face to face. The hope is that this will make it easier for people to report crimes and offer greater reassurance to residents.

However, Mr Foord is now calling for the reopening to be matched with a renewed focus on investing in grassroots community policing – as well as reversing the 60% cut in Police and Community Support Officers that has taken place since 2015.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord said:

“The re-opening of the front desk at Honiton Police station represents real progress - particularly in terms of our push to restore fully the bond between the officers who keep us safe and local residents.

“People feel more safe and secure when we prioritise grassroots community policing, with officers who are well known within the community. People appreciate visible and accessible neighbourhood teams, so that crime can be prevented or is easy to report when it occurs.

“The number of Police Community Support Officers across Devon and Cornwall has been cut by 60% since 2015. Our neighbourhood teams cannot be everywhere at once, so these PCSOs play a vital role in helping bridge that gap.

“We have so many outstanding local community support officers. They really are at the heart of their communities and the role they play is invaluable – that’s why we need to bring back the hundreds of PCSO roles that have been cut back.

“This, combined with further front desk re-openings across our towns, will ensure more residents feel safe where they live. I am urging both the Government and Police & Crime Commissioner to make this a priority."