Wiltshire Police’s enquiry office at Polebarn Road, Trowbridge, has reopened from today (Wednesday 15th July). The decision was made following the latest Government advice and measures being put in place to protect both the public and also officers and staff.
The opening times for the office will be Monday to Friday (8.30am-5.30pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) (Closed Sunday).
Wiltshire Police fully appreciate that some people will still not feel confident attending the enquiry office, yet would like to provide reassurance that they are still contactable through a variety of means, including the 999 emergency and 101 non-emergency numbers, website, and using the yellow phone positioned outside the enquiry office.
It should be noted that any member of the public wishing to visit the enquiry office must adhere to the following guidance and safety measures:
- Entering the office – Visitors will only be allowed entry one at a time. Signs have been fitted outside of the building, notifying visitors of the process and the need to queue, with 2m social distancing, until they are prompted to enter by someone leaving or by a member of police staff
- Hand Sanitiser- All visitors are expected to sanitise their hands at the designated hand sanitiser station before they physically enter the main enquiry office
- Screens and tape – Front counters have been fitted with perspex screens, similar to that which you wil have seen in supermarkets. There is also tape on the floor, which will help indicate to visitors where to stand when speaking to an enquiry officer
- Toilets – Toilets will remain closed to the public.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire, Angus Macpherson said: “I welcome the decision to re-open the enquiry office at Trowbridge. It is important that the police are able to deliver a vital public service when safe and appropriate to do so.
“The health and safety of both the public and our officers and staff has been at the forefront of our minds throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and we have continued to follow the guidance set out by the Government.
“Despite the Trowbridge enquiry office re-opening, and extensive safety measures being put in place, I want to remind people of the other ways the police can be contacted. Calling us or visiting the Wiltshire Police website is still the safest option for everyone”.
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “I want to thank people for their continued patience and understanding as we continue to adapt to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the ‘new normal’.
“I want to reassure the public that the initial closure of enquiry offices throughout the county has not impacted the visibility of our officers in our communities. Our police stations have been, and will remain running as normal, and you will have no doubt seen our Community Policing Teams out and about on patrol in your area, and responding to 999 and 101 calls.
“I want to thank you all for you continued support for Wiltshire Police. These are unprecedented times, and I know there are still challenges and uncertainty ahead, but as ever, we are committed to providing the very best service to the communities of Wiltshire.”
