
The number of Warwickshire Direct locations offering police front counter services has doubled, with six new sites joining the existing six at locations at libraries across the county.
On October 1, the libraries at Lillington, Nuneaton, Polesworth, Wellesbourne, Whitnash and Wolston joined those at Alcester, Coleshill, Kenilworth, Shipston on Stour, Southam and Warwick in being able to offer access to police services.
This is alongside the existing borough council services in Atherstone and Bedworth, the justice centres in Nuneaton and Leamington Spa, and police stations in Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. Overall, it means that public access to police front counter services has been significantly expanded.
Run in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, the Warwickshire Direct facilities have trained staff alongside computer terminals that people can use to find out information themselves. The libraries provide people with a single point of access to local information, advice and other key services, from applying for a disabled parking blue badge or asking about free school meals.
Police services offered include crime and incident reporting, putting you in touch with local officers, access to your local Safer Neighbourhood Team, and reporting anti-social behaviour.
The locations were chosen following a review of current and anticipated demand. The aim is to make the best use of partnership resources and offer improved accessibility to members of the public wishing to use the service. The Warwickshire Direct service will be regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of the local community who want to contact the police.
This is excellent news and a good demonstration of how the police can work with partners to deliver improved services. Increasing the visibility and accessibility of the police in our local communities is a key commitment of my Police and Crime Plan, so I am delighted to be able to make this significant progress so quickly.