Community focussed teamwork helps turn lives around and wins award

A successful police operation launched to tackle a gang that terrorised students and residents in Hednesford has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

The Staffordshire Police Force Awards were presented to police officers and staff on 14 November at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.

They celebrate the achievements of those who have excelled in their duties in serving Staffordshire’s communities.

The Excellence in Partnership Award went to Operation Subpole.

The gang was active in the Hednesford area between August 2022 and August 2023, leaving students and local residents in fear.

Young people in the area were coerced into criminal activities and threatened with violence.

Inspectors Chris Moss and Lee Walker implemented a community-focussed approach to the matter, fostering a safer and more welcoming environment in Hednesford Park, which had become a hotspot for youth-related violent incidents.

The team’s efforts included increasing police visibility, community engagement activities, and enforcement and collaborations with schools and youth organisations to provide constructive activities and educational programs.

The result was a 24 per cent reduction in criminal damage incidents and a 9 per cent reduction in incidents of less serious violent crime with injury.

Also, nine of the 12 young gang members who faced permanent exclusion are now attending school, with 95 per cent attendance.

Three others continue to receive intensive intervention by the Youth Offending Team and other agencies.

Inspector Moss said: “This operation was a response to a small group of youths causing problems for local residents and visitors to the area. Their actions were both anti-social and criminal and had a profound effect on some victims and the community.

“As a local policing team, we can’t allow that kind of behaviour and our operation was wide ranging, bringing in partners from the council, high schools, social services and other agencies.

“Specialist officers from the violence reduction team also assisted in targeting each individual involved with a bespoke plan.

“The result was a swift and large reduction in anti-social behaviour and crime and most of those involved were diverted away from these actions. The few who didn’t engage with us were dealt with via the criminal justice system.”

Inspector Walker added: “I am delighted to receive this award and whilst it recognises the hard work that went into ensuring the communities of Cannock were free from harm, it should also show the importance of how collaborative working provides clear direction and focus to safeguard all involved.

“The team that delivered this piece of work still talk about its success and utilise this area of working into everyday problem solving. I would personally like to thank everyone involved, including external partners who played an integral part in its delivery.

“Its success has been identified by the College of Policing and adopted as best practise for other forces.”