Police trial changes in Abbots Langley and South Oxhey welcomed by council leader

Officers will now report directly to their local stations following a reversal of an operational decision by Herts Police.

Generic image of a police officer on a suburban street.
AI

Generic image of a police officer on a suburban street.

Three Rivers District Council leader, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, has welcomed the reversal of a police operational decision affecting Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Abbots Langley and South Oxhey.

From Monday, 19 October 2026, officers stationed in these two areas will report directly to their respective local stations, rather than to Rickmansworth Police Station Head Office. The council leader expressed his pleasure at the change, stating that the visibility of Neighbourhood Policing Teams provides an "extra feeling of safety" in the communities.
Cllr Giles-Medhurst acknowledged concerns over the visibility of the neighbourhood team during the trial, emphasising the importance of community policing being seen to maintain public confidence in the team's ability to tackle and deter crime. He assured that new briefing arrangements would be in place to ensure teams are fully aware of local crime issues.
He confirmed regular contact with the Three Rivers Chief Inspector, informing him of local issues and public concerns regarding the initial decision. The council leader is pleased the trial has been changed and will be reviewed periodically, with the possibility of extra officers being deployed to Abbots Langley later this year.
The council and the police maintain a strong relationship aimed at enhancing safety in the district, and both parties look forward to further developing this partnership.
Based on information from the official source: Three Rivers District Council (15/10/2026)