A new appointment system is being launched across the county helping members of the public to speak with police in a “confidential environment” about potentially delicate matters.

Today (June 25), people will be able to request a meeting with a police officer in a station if they do not “feel comfortable” speaking about certain issues in their own home.

The initiative is part of a commitment to review options available to the public in having contact with police and it supports the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Safety and Crime Plan.

Members of the public can request a meeting with a police officer and callers will be offered a home visit via the “diary car” system, or an appointment at a convenient station.

Station appointments will run every day. From Sunday through to Thursday, appointments will be offered on the hour, from 5pm to 8pm. And from Friday to Saturday appointments will be on the hour from 7pm until 10pm, at the following stations:

•    Cheshunt
•    Borehamwood
•    Stevenage
•    Hemel Hempstead
•    Hatfield
•    Watford
•    Rickmansworth
•    Hitchin
•    St Albans

Appointments will also be available in Hertford on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, appointments can be booked at Bishop’s Stortford.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s head of change, Superintendent Sue Jameson, said: “We are continually reviewing the services we offer to the public to ensure we are delivering the best service we possibly can.

“The introduction of the new appointment system will help us to provide a more localised service to victims of crime who can arrange to meet with police at a convenient time. It also provides an additional option for those who, for whatever reason, may not be comfortable talking to officers in their own home.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, said: “My strategy has called for even more ways to contact the police, leading to huge improvements to the website and online reporting, including webchat which has been very popular with residents.

“We have police stations in every district of Hertfordshire and whilst front counters were rarely used by the public, we know some people prefer that face-to-face contact with a police officer. I’m pleased to see that this option is being made easier for residents.”