Yesterday, Wednesday 25 June, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Matt Storey and Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland launched the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
£2.4m Government funding
It comes after Cleveland Police received £2.4m in Government funding to recruit additional staff for neighbourhood policing, including:
- 20 police officers
- 31 PCSOs
- 12 special constables
Nationally-driven investment in Neighbourhood Policing will lead to increased visibility in town centres and local policing priorities being agreed with local people. There will be a commitment to updating the public with progress against tackling these priorities. There will also be a clear plan to tackle antisocial behaviour and retail crime in town centres.
The public will also be able to contact their local neighbourhood team via the website. They will be able to find out where and when they can meet local officers at meetings and events.
The bedrock of British policing
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Matt Storey said: “We know that visible and effective neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of British policing.
“When it’s done best it allows police forces to understand the communities that they serve, develop solutions to local problems and make communities feel safe, strong and confident.
“Going forward, I will be holding Cleveland Police to account to ensure the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is a success.
“I will continue to actively listen to Cleveland residents to find out if they do see more officers and PCSOs on the beat and if they find it easier to engage with the police via a variety of contact methods.
“I’ll be tracking the increasing number of officers, staff and volunteers and I want to be assured that these additional resources are used in the best way possible for our communities.”
The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee – which will see a dedicated officer for every area of Cleveland – was officially launched at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Matt then joined police on a patrol of Hartlepool including antisocial hotspots.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: “Neighbourhood Policing is at the heart of our neighbourhoods, and every crime happens in a neighbourhood.
“Our Neighbourhood Policing officers work day in day out to protect people and protect communities, and the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will enhance the visibility and capability of these teams, which we firmly believe is a positive for the public of Teesside.
“Working with partner agencies, retail owners and the public, we aim to build trust and confidence in the communities we serve, working to make sure people feel safe in their neighbourhoods.”