Why isn't police station open to public?
IT WAS an impressive feature in The Herald regarding the new police station at Devonport, but having passed it this week I could not believe the large notice board outside which stated: Access by appointment only.
I fail to see the benefits to the people of Devonport if they might have to travel to Charles Cross or Crownhill to report any crimes, unless they are notified in advance by the perpetrator, so they can then book an appointment at Devonport. What a wonderful world.
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NEW COP SHOP: Police have moved into Devonport Police Station but the public can't simply drop-in
D BLIGHT
Plymouth
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ONLY in Plymouth could £3.36 million be spent on a police station with no front desk. The Marlborough Street station was pulled down as it was not fit for purpose. I think this will be the first job for the new commissioner.
M BOADELLA
Plymouth
I WELCOMED the opening of the new Devonport Police station costing £3.3 million. The station serves a population of 28,000 and in the previous 12 months 1,300 crimes were recorded in the area.
Having just opened it has joined the list of 34 stations in Devon and Cornwall which are closed to the public. It would be difficult not to ascribe to this as an example of the police and community pulling away from each other.
When I was serving as a police officer stations were considered a place of safety where vulnerable and distressed people could go with confidence and very much part of the fabric of the community.
We all realise that public spending has been cut and the Police are no exception but is this another example of "knowing the price of everything and value of nothing."?
Whoever is elected Police and Crime Commissioner on November 15 will have to consider what adds value to the service the police provide and police station closures will have to figure in their deliberations.
BRIAN BLAKE
Liberal Democrat Candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner
Comments
by mjohn
Friday, November 02 2012, 1:12PM
“All members of the public are seen by Police Officers as potential criminals. This must be why you can only visit by appointment. They can then complete a CRB check before you arrive.
And the Police claim they want closer links with the Community? No, they want protection from the People they are mis-serving as public employees.
What Next? You will need an appointment to complain to the City Council!!!!”
by jabbathebutt
Thursday, November 01 2012, 10:34PM
“An appointment for godsakes ???????? !!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by jabbathebutt
Thursday, November 01 2012, 10:31PM
“@soph15 ... Oh, that explains the £3.3 million well spent then . Thanks for clearing that up.”
by 147ref
Thursday, November 01 2012, 9:36PM
“just like bodmin police station sorry i mean police office, millions spent knocking down the old station to build new one, and when you get there they tell you to go to town hall, bloody joke”
by Vinnie_Gar
Thursday, November 01 2012, 2:00PM
“I don't blame them for keeping the public out.
Have you met any of them? They're appalling - I'm glad I'm not one of them.”
by soph15
Thursday, November 01 2012, 1:41PM
“The sign outside states it isn't a Police Station it is a Police Office?!”
by justright
Thursday, November 01 2012, 10:08AM
“plymtons traffic police new station, plus police will issue on the spot fines from here, save the time of the courts for petty crime, saves taxpayer loads,so may be a good thing”
by trudie2010
Thursday, November 01 2012, 10:06AM
“I imagine arriving at the door stabbed and bleeding, and having to make an appointment through the letter box for next week.”
by 10thattempt
Thursday, November 01 2012, 8:15AM
“If you want to get in, just go and bang on the front door with a brick.
I'm sure they'll only be too happy to show you the steps to the basement.”