Dear Residents,

As the police commander for this area I would like to take this opportunity of providing you with a brief explanation about the new policing structure in the Waterside area and how I think it will benefit you.

This new concept of policing is currently being adopted across the entire country, so is not unique to our area.
I believe that this ‘new regime’ will help challenge and positively address some of the issues and concerns that have been impacting on your lives within your own communities.

I am aware that there is a general consensus of opinion that all police officers ever do is:

‘Drive around in cars’

‘Never got the time to walk around the neighbourhoods as they are too busy’

‘Are not interested in dealing with nuisance issues in the neighbourhood as they have more important things to do’

Well, I have some good news for you!

On 29th January 2007, we introduced two distinct styles of policing, known as Territorial and Safer Neighbourhood policing. In simple terms the ‘Territorial’ policing team will continue to take responsibility in providing a reactive mobile response to meet and address incidents that by their very nature or type, require a deployment within a set time.

The new element of ‘Safer Neighbourhood’ policing will principally focus on adopting a problem-solving approach towards community-based issues that are deemed to be medium to long term, or of a protracted nature and which have a detrimental impact upon the residents of that area.

The critical factor for success must be through a ‘partnership approach’. The police cannot achieve this in isolation. However, it can succeed if we work together through a ‘team effort’.

So what is happening now and in the future?

Safer Neighbourhood officers are currently involved in developing the partnership through local parish councils, schools and key agencies and most importantly, yourselves. Communication with one another is essential, to promote information exchange.

I would like to take this opportunity of encouraging you to provide us with information and intelligence, so that we can identify where the problems exist and who is responsible for the anti- social behaviour and criminal activity in your area.

Over the next few months we will be introducing Police Community Support Officers to our team, who will be providing additional visibility and act as a deterrent against unacceptable behaviour.

What will be our priorities and focus?