– There were only five inquiries during opening hours from residents who visited the office to speak to the police. There were no reviews. At the police station in Fredrikstad, section leader of the neighborhood police section Espen Bae Klung tells about quiet days at the summer-open police office in Hvaler. From May to September, two police officers have spent an hour driving round trip from Fredrikstad to Hvaler twice a week to keep the Hvaler office alive. – For the office itself, our experience is that the need is not there. But the local politicians out there, they appreciate us being there, says Klung. – Symbolically Reopening police offices was a key election promise from the Center Party in the 2021 parliamentary election campaign. Last year it was confirmed that as many as 20 offices would be reopened. The Hvaler office opened in the summer of 2023. Klung is unsure how many people are aware that there is a police office on the island municipality during the summer. – It is symbolically visible to some, I would think. The need is probably greater because we are out either by car, on foot or by boat. Klung emphasizes at the same time that the funds are good. – We live under grants, and as a result of the establishment of the summer office, funds have been earmarked for the operation of the Hvaler office. This enables them to further strengthen staffing. The section leader welcomes the funds. Photo: Celina Ekholt / news Less flexible Meråker municipality in Trøndelag was one of the places where the police were not happy about a new office. – It was because we were asking whether there was good use of resources, says police inspector Per Ivar Olsen. The police inspector estimates that 2-3 reports have been submitted to the office so far this year. Olsen says that those who come to the office mainly ask for advice and guidance. It is not related to criminal proceedings. – It will be less flexible for us. We must prioritize keeping the office open. The investigator who sits here two days a week has been removed from his professional environment for the two days. The Center Party celebrated with a cake when the police office in Engerdal opened last year. But not everyone is happy with having new offices. Photo: Frode Meskau / news Received positive feedback Despite the few visitors, the Center Party is more satisfied that several police offices have reopened. – We believe it is definitely not an incorrect use of resources. These are extraordinary funds, which otherwise would not have come to the police. That’s what state secretary in the Center Party, Sigve Bolstad, says. He says the feedback has been good. Sigve Bolstad believes that more police stations make it safer. Photo: Terje Haugnes / news – You have to see the police service in general. What we have received positive feedback on is that they have got a place of service that you can turn to and police officers and civilians who know that district extra well. news has made contact with the new police offices regarding the number of visitors and their purposes, as well as the number of reports submitted upon attendance. Many offices do not keep statistics on this. Published 30.09.2024, at 07.30
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– The need is not there – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
