Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, has recognised the vital contribution neighbourhood policing plays in keeping the public safe as part of a national awareness week.
In recognition of Neighbourhood Policing Week, the Commissioner met officers, volunteers and staff at Peartree Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) – Derbyshire’s reigning Safer Neighbourhood Team of the Year – in honour of their outstanding commitment to her Police and Crime Plan priority to deliver stronger local policing.
The team received their award from the Commissioner at last year’s Police Achievement Awards for their positive work tackling drug dealing, violent crime, and Anti-social Behaviour (ASB).
This week, the Commissioner was invited on a walkabout with the team to find out more about their ongoing efforts to target persistent offenders, prevent re-offending and respond robustly to the issues that cause residents the most concern.
Neighbourhood Policing Week takes place between January 22-26 and highlights the vital work that neighbourhood officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) and volunteers undertake to protect the public and keep communities safe.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “Neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of high-quality policing in the UK. The commitment of our SNT officers, staff and volunteers is vital for maintaining peace and safety in our communities, bringing offenders to justice and for building confidence and trust in policing overall.
“The effectiveness of neighbourhood policing has a direct impact on public satisfaction levels. I am pleased that, with 351 new officers and a commitment to maintain the number of dedicated neighbourhood officers and PCSOs, our Neighbourhood Teams are in a position to maintain the strong local policing that our communities deserve and expect.
“Shortly after my election, I drove the introduction of a Neighbourhood Policing Charter to put in writing the expectations for the delivery of high-quality, strong local policing.
“Across Derbyshire and Derby City, our neighbourbood policing teams have responded positively to these expectations over the past three years. They have not only strengthened their engagement with local people, listening carefully to what they have to say and responding more swiftly to their concerns but they have also focussed on disrupting the crimes that undermine feelings of safety. These range from drug dealing and ASB through to burglary and car crime.
“Although this dedicated week of action gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the outstanding work they do, we must remember that it is just a snapshot of their duties and that our SNTs are in action 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year to serve the public and keep everyone safe. Their efforts continue to drive down crime and make Derbyshire a hostile place for anyone intent on offending.”
Strong local policing is a key priority of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, with neighbourhood police officers at the forefront of her plans to build confidence in policing, drive down key issues such as ASB and other neighbourhood crimes like robbery and burglary and deliver the high-quality service the public expects. They are also vital for fulfilling the vows of her Neighbourhood Policing Charter by building relationships with their communities through positive engagement and delivering a swift and effective response to their concerns.
As published on the Derbyshire OPCC Website 22nd January 2024