In a country-first, the ‘public access terminals’ are being rolled out into Morrisons stores in Bedfordshire.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye is continuing to deliver on his community-based policing commitments, with investment in four terminals across the county.

The state-of-the-art touchscreen devices will give shoppers a new way to report crime as well as online access to non-emergency policing services including reporting an incident.

Users can also submit intelligence, access victim care support, and submit feedback to the force with the aim of improving accessibility to policing and support services.

A local resident that frequently visits the store said: “Some people struggle to gain access to report incidents online so it’s fantastic having this in our local Morrisons.

“Using the terminal is easy and straightforward.

“I believe some people think it’s difficult to report a crime online.  It’s really straight forward, especially having a huge iPad style screen to do it on.

“Even if you see something that you think doesn’t require an emergency response, but you feel it should be reported, please do.  It helps the police with their intelligence.

“I will be spreading the word about this initiative, and I know shoppers will really welcome the opportunity to use it in store”.

The terminals were first installed at libraries and at the University of Bedfordshire and Cranfield University.

Phil Eaton, Project Manager at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “We’ve seen a positive uptake of the terminals at the universities and have since installed one at Caddington Community Centre, following feedback from residents wanting other ways to access policing services.

“Usage here has been high with most users visiting the Chrysalis Centre, a programme that helps to reform perpetrators of Domestic Abuse.

“We’re really pleased with the engagement from residents and staff at the Shefford Morrisons store.

Since installation, the highest usage is seen on the ‘report a crime’ page.

“After speaking with residents today it’s confirmed that we are empowering our residents who may not have access to the internet to get the help and advice the need.

“In the case of an emergency we would urge the community to call 999, however there are incidents that occur that perhaps do not need an immediate police presence.

“I would encourage the public to report any incidents via the terminal as this helps Bedfordshire Police with intelligence purposes.”

The OPCC are looking to install three further terminals across the larger Morrisons stores in Bedfordshire.

The terminals also feature information on local events and services and aim to bridge the gap for people that face challenges seeking support online, while providing a safe space to do so.

Carl Probert, Morrisons Corporate Protection Manager, said: “This is a collaborative approach whereby Morrisons is assisting Bedfordshire Police to help report and reduce crime in the local community. We are fully supportive of the scheme and pleased to hear of its initial success.”

Mr Akinbusoye said, “I’m really pleased with this partnership arrangement with Morrisons.

“We are addressing the challenges of communities by continually looking at ways to improve access to policing services for our residents, so having these terminals in local Morrisons stores is a welcomed addition and start.

“I want to ensure we take advantage of technology to make policing work better for local people, and I anticipate further options such as getting updates on reported crimes and a victim’s portal to feature in the near future.”

The OPCC has been working with getITright Ltd to develop the public access terminals and are also launching a version of the terminal in a mobile phone application.

The app will be available to download from the OPCC website giving residents another way to access services offered by the police and local authorities.

If you’d like to find out more about the Public Access Terminals or the app, you can contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner by emailing pcc@beds.police.uk