East Devon MP campaigns to reopen more police station front desks after success in Exmouth

Exmouth’s new police station will be open to the public after a campaign by local MP, Simon Jupp. The new front desk will allow the public to share concerns with officers at the front desk. The improved accessibility for residents goes alongside a modern new workplace for the local force.

Police numbers across Devon & Cornwall are due to hit 3,610 in the financial year from April, taking the local force to record levels. Nationally, the government is making significant progress in meeting the Conservative manifesto target of recruiting 20,000 additional police officers.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, is calling for more front desks to open across the local district in a letter to Devon & Cornwall’s Police & Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez. Potential locations could include Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary or Honiton, all of which have an operational police station which is currently closed to the public.

He highlights the public’s increased confidence and awareness of police work when the force have a visible presence in local communities.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said: “After the success of securing a new police station for Exmouth which will be open to the public, I want to make sure the east of the district also has access to a police station front desk.

"I would warmly welcome a front desk opening in either Sidmouth, Ottery St. Mary or Honiton. These rural communities have very different characteristics than Exmouth or Exeter.

"Extra front desks, focusing on the needs of rural communities and market towns, would give people increased awareness and confidence in their local police force, especially during the tourist season.

"I know our Police & Crime Commissioner listens to communities and I hope she will consider re-opening another front desk in East Devon.”

Devon & Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, ran a recent survey asking at which police stations the local community would like an open front desk.

The survey closed on the 2nd January.