Bedfordshire Police enquiry office to reduce opening hours

From Monday, February 3, the office at Kempston Headquarters will be open to walk-in customers and those answering bail between 9am and 6.30pm on weekdays and between 9am and 5pm on weekends.

This is a change from the previous opening hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.

Chief superintendent John Murphy said: “Our decision to change the opening hours came after in-depth research and consultation. As most of our visitors attend pre-booked appointments, they can be received by the officers and staff they have made the appointment with at any time of the day.

“This will free up time for our staff to deal with other customer service matters and make sure that every member of the public receives the highest standard of service.”

New opening hours for these enquiry offices have been devised as part of the creation of a new Customer Support Team, which will see enquiry office staff taking on additional customer service responsibilities.

This means in addition to their current responsibilities, they will also respond to customer service matters, queries and complaints.

Residents are still welcome to make appointments with officers and staff outside of these opening hours, and the 101 service remains available for all non-urgent calls 24/7.

This change will not affect the enquiry office in Lime Street in Bedford, which will continue to be open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.