Corby: Suspects informed to 'take pictures' at understaffed police station

Suspects have been requested to have their pictures taken at an understaffed police station to show they’re abiding by their bail situations.

The native MP has referred to as for a evaluation of the choice to open the police hub entrance desk in Corby, Northamptonshire simply two days every week.

Labour's Lee Barron mentioned the state of affairs “makes a mockery of the judicial system”.

Northamptonshire Police mentioned the restricted opening of the entrance desk was a “temporary arrangement”.

Police officers moved from their station in Elizabeth Street to the multi-million pound Corby Cube constructing in 2017.

Mr Barron, who grew to become MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire in July, mentioned typed notices had been put up on the Cube's entrance desk saying its hours have been restricted to Tuesdays and Thursdays resulting from “reduced staffing”. Is.

The discover additionally gave particular directions to “bail signers” – suspects granted bail with the situation that they report back to the police station usually.

They have been informed to name 101, or “take a photo on your phone to prove you are at the front desk”.

Another discover acknowledged that they need to “sign one of these pieces of paper, put the date and time and place through the hatch”.

Mr Barron mentioned: “This is not a criticism of police officers – these officers deserve better resources to enable them to do their job. At present, the service is not good enough.

“It is time to review resources and establish a center that can truly meet the demands of our communities.”

He mentioned the bail reporting directions “make a mockery of the judicial system”.

“It is completely unacceptable that a handwritten note or a photograph is sufficient evidence to ensure that a person is meeting their bail conditions,” he mentioned.

“We need visibility and a high profile, and a police desk open two days a week doesn't do that. This current situation is ridiculous.”

A spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police mentioned: “We are currently experiencing a shortage of front desk staff at Corby Cube, which has led to reduced opening hours.

“This is a temporary arrangement, and new staff are currently undergoing a vetting process with a view to resuming normal service.

“Corby Neighborhood Policing Team is based at Corby Cube, so there is a police presence at the location when required.”