Neighbourhood policing teams prepare for week of action across the force

Officers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are preparing for a week of action to tackle local issues affecting our communities.

The week, which runs from Monday 17 January, will see all neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs) increase visibility patrols, carry out proactive crime prevention activity and run community engagement events.

All officers will be included, from local PCSOs and special constables to Deputy and Chief Inspectors – with an opportunity for people to find out more about the different roles.

The week of action comes as new Chief Constable, Chris Noble, recently set out his priorities for the force - which is due to confirm its new police operating model, including a focus on enhanced local policing, in the coming weeks.

Chief Constable, Chris Noble, said: “I am pleased to be supporting all of our neighbourhood officers as they carry out this period of intensification aimed at tackling local issues concerning our communities.

“Delivering local policing that meets the needs and expectations of those who live and work in our region is a top priority for me and all of our officers, who work round-the-clock to prevent crime, to protect victims and prevent crime.

“This week of action is just the start of what will be long-term focussed activity working with partners to solve the issues that really matter to local communities.”

The first event, run by Stafford Borough NPT, will take place online on Tuesday 18 January from 6pm to 8pm for the Stone area.

Attendees are being asked to submit questions in advance to local officers who will then respond in real-time.

A link to submit questions is here: Stone Online Chat (sli.do).

On Thursday (20 January) from 6pm to 8pm Stoke North and Stoke South NPTs will then join forces to run an engagement event for the city.

To submit questions for this event, visit: Stoke On Trent Chat (sli.do)

Officers are committed to responding to concerns over anti-social behaviour across our communities and as part of this, further activity is planned to take place throughout the week, including: working with local schools and universities to educate attendees on the work of the force in their communities, continuing our Safer Nights campaign, increasing visibility patrols in town and city centres and running targeted operations to tackle local crime. Proactive enforcement work will also be conducted to disrupt drugs-related criminality.

Superintendent Mark Ward, head of the force’s neighbourhood teams, said: “This week of action shows officers' ongoing commitment to deliver local policing for local people and I’m proud of all the officers who are dedicating their time and efforts on this, day-in-day-out.

“I hope that the week delivers positive outcomes for our communities and demonstrates the dedication officers have to their local areas.”

To find out more about policing in your area, visit: Your area | Staffordshire Police