New police point of call launched
PEOPLE in Hebden Bridge are now able to contact the police through their local Customer First - thanks to a pilot scheme launched this week.
The council’s Hebden Bridge Customer First, at the library in Hope Street, has become a customer contact point for police non-emergency enquiries in the town.
During opening hours Monday 10.00 – 5.00, Wednesday 10.00 – 5.00, Thursday 10.00 – 1.30, Hebden Bridge Customer First staff will be on hand to take information and enquiries from the public. Staff will then liaise directly with police officers. The scheme will run as a pilot project to develop the potential benefits and demand for a service to local people for both police and council enquiries.
Hebden Bridge has been chosen as a pilot for the scheme because there is currently no public reception at the town’s police station.
If the arrangements are successful, then the council and the police would look to a similar approach across other towns outside Halifax where the council currently has Customer First facilities.
Calderdale Council’s Leader, Coun Janet Battye, said closer working between the police and the council makes good sense which she said would seek to improve customer service and reduce costs across both agencies.
“I’m delighted that this is a joint enterprise between ourselves and the police. I think that this is a really positive step forward and I’m really pleased to see the council taking a lead in this direction for the vision we have for “community hubs”
Chief Superintendent Chris Hardern, for Calderdale Police, said: “The biggest benefit for the community is that it is a single point of contact for a variety of services.
“It is a great opportunity for joint working and for sharing services with greater efficiencies.
“Emergency calls to police should still be made by dialling 999 but staff at the centre will be able to help with non-emergency local enquiries. They will be able to make an assessment of the situation and either resolve a matter straight away or arrange for a visit or an appointment with a police officer or police community officer.”
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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