Trial could pave the way to expand police inquiry services (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Trial could pave the way to expand police inquiry services

4:00pm Friday 18th December 2009

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HOPES that the police inquiry offices in Malmesbury and Cricklade could be expanded to provide a better service have followed news that three other centres in the county are to be staffed by volunteers.

The trial scheme operating in Highworth, Wootton Bassett and Tisbury will see offices reopen three days each week from January 4.

The annoucenemtn was made by Chief Constable Brian Moore this week.

The inquiry offices will be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-2pm.

The volunteers will have limited powers and are designed primarily as a point of contact.

A police spokesman said: "It is for low-level things. If you came in to report an accident, they couldn’t take the details but they may be able to set up a meeting with an officer.

"If it is successful then the chief will consider reopening them in other places including Malmesbury and Cricklade."

In 2007 Wiltshire Police sparked controversy when it closed the Malmesbury and Cricklade offices along with a number of inquiry offices across the county. Now the two towns just hold police surgeries on Thursdays from 4-6pm.

Wiltshire Councillor for Cricklade Peter Colmer welcomed the move and said: "You know that if you go during the defined hours there will be someone there you can talk to – it would be a good move forward."

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