GREATER focus on neighbourhood policing is the way forward to fight antisocial behaviour (ASB) and crime, according to Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey
Matt has welcomed the Government announcement on the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
As part of the guarantee, Cleveland Police has been allocated £2.39m. Based on that figure, the force will be able to recruit an additional 20 Police Officers, 31 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and 12 Special Constables.
The Guarantee will mean every community will have named officers, who they can contact. Neighbourhood officers will be dedicated to tackling issues in specifically in their area.
The public will also get guaranteed response times to neighbourhood queries. Patrols at peak times in town centres and other hotspots, highlighted by local intelligence, will also be guaranteed.
Key objective
Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “Enhancing neighbourhood policing is a key objective in my Police and Crime Plan. It is part of my pledge to deliver more visible and effective policing in Cleveland.
“The public constantly tell me that they would like to see more officers at work in their communities.
“Being more visible, accessible and present means the public have a greater confidence in the service and are more likely to report crime and provide intelligence.
“I welcome the announcement of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and the additional resources it will bring to Cleveland Police.
“Local people – and their neighbourhood police teams – know their area and its issues best. That’s why neighbourhood policing is so vital to fighting crime and ASB in our communities.
“Being up close to individual communities means officers have a better knowledge of what’s going on as well as a greater awareness of where – and when – hotspots occur. As a result, they are more prepared to tackle issues when they arise.
“I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to ensure the Guarantee is fully realised in the Cleveland Police area. I will monitor delivery closely, to make sure effective neighbourhood policing becomes a reality for all communities.”
As part of the Guarantee, the Government has said there will be an additional 13,000 neighbourhood officers and PCSOs across England and Wales by the end of this Parliament.
Cleveland’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams won praise in His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, Fire and Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) latest PEEL assessment.;
The report said: “The neighbourhood policing teams work well with communities to understand and meet their needs.
“They are working on building the public’s trust and confidence, and they encourage members of the public to share information to help reduce and detect crime.”