West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has welcomed the reopening of the public contact office (PCO) at Digbeth Police Station, marking the first time in 10 years that local people can walk in to report crimes, seek advice or speak directly with officers in person.
The decision, which reflects the Commissioner’s sustained commitment to strengthening accessible, reassuring and visible policing, comes as Birmingham’s east side of the city continues to develop and sees increased footfall during the festive period.
The return of face-to-face contact facilities in Digbeth forms part of the Commissioner’s Plan, to re-build community policing.
“Accessible, reassuring and visible policing makes communities safer,” Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said. “Reopening the Digbeth public contact office is about more than a building – it’s about building trust and confidence in local policing.
“When people can walk into their police station and talk to someone face-to-face, it strengthens relationships between residents and the officers who serve them, and makes the West Midlands a safer place to live, work and visit.”
Rebuilding community policing is a cornerstone of the Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029, which sets out the Commissioner’s priorities to prevent and tackle crime and promote community safety. The Plan emphasises ensuring an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, to keep people, families, businesses and communities safe and secure.
The reopening of Digbeth’s public contact office also aligns with broader action to deliver neighbourhood policing that is rooted in local communities – ensuring officers are approachable, accessible and ready to work with residents to solve problems at a grassroots level.
The Digbeth office is open Monday to Friday, 10 am–6 pm (excluding bank holidays). Birmingham Central Police Station – located at Lloyd House, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham B4 6AT – continues to offer a 24/7 point of contact for police services.
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