Niagara Regional Police are changing the hours of their front desk in St. Catharines and Welland.
During last night's St. Catharines council meeting, Chief Bryan MacCulloch confirmed the change.
Civilian employees will man the front desk, Monday to Friday, from 7 am until 8 pm weekdays, but the desk will not be staffed on weekends or statutory holidays.
MacCulloch acknowledges public concern, but says there will be an on duty staff sergeant at both locations 24 hours.
If a member of the public arrives at either building off hours, there will be a direct phone line located on the exterior of the building that will put them into direct contact with staff.
MacCulloch noting similar staffing compliments are already in effect in Fort Erie and Port Colborne.