03 September 2010Kent Police and the District Council will be working even closer together when the police public enquiries desk moves into the Council’s Argyle Road offices in Sevenoaks.
The new police reception will open on Monday 28 June 2010 and will provide all the services that are available at the Akehurst Lane police station.
These include reporting crime, accidents and missing people, dealing with lost and found property, giving out crime prevention advice and checking driving documents.
Kent Police will have two public enquiry officers based at the Argyle Road offices, one on duty in reception, the other based in the Community Safety Unit, who is available when needed.
As part of the new arrangements, the police station based in Akehurst Lane, Sevenoaks will close to the public at 5pm on Friday 25 June 2010.
A number of improvements have been made to the Council's public reception area as part of the police co-location, including a booth for confidential customer interviews and a confidential interview area for the police.
The design of the new police counter and the reception take account the longer-term aim of co-locating Sevenoaks Police Station in its entirety to the Council offices after the lease on Epicurus House expires in December 2012.
The new arrangements build on the previous developments when the Council and Kent Police joined forces last September to launch the District’s first ever Community Safety Unit bringing police and Council staff into one team to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. It also highlights how the Council and Kent Police are working together for the benefit of residents, whilst enhancing the visibility of the police within the town.
Cllr Elaine Bracken, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety, says: "The shared Council and police reception builds on our already close links with Kent Police and will lead to an improved service to our residents. This development will make the police even more accessible by being located in a well-known town centre building."
Chief Inspector Adrian Futers, Kent Police Commander for Sevenoaks District, added: "This latest development illustrates how closely Sevenoaks District Council and Kent Police are committed to working together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the local area."
The police opening times are 8.45am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am to 4.45pm on Fridays. When the Council offices are closed, visitors with police related matters can use the easily accessible emergency phone located by the entrance. Callers will be put through to the Kent Police Force Contact and Control Centre.
Members of the public can also continue to visit any of Kent Police’s public enquiries desks at other stations in the area including Swanley, Tonbridge and West Malling if more convenient. Opening times for these stations can be found at www.kent.police.uk or by ringing 01622 690690.
