Communities are to have their own named police constable and a police community support officer (PSCO) in a change to how local policing is to be done.
The initiative, which builds on recent changes that saw the provision of a dedicated PCSO and police community base for each area, has been welcomed by Congleton MP Fiona Bruce:
“Having a named officer benefits both the local community and the police force; people know who to turn to, and can meet them on the street, while the police will spend time amongst that community, and see first-hand and consistently the problems that they face.”
Chief Constable Darren Martland said:
“This is a big step forward and exciting development in our policing model.
“Dedicated police officers will work with PCSOs, volunteers, partners and, most importantly, the communities that we serve, to adopt a preventative and problem solving approach to dealing with the issues that most effect our communities.”
Community policing teams will be supported by a funding made available by the Police and Crime Commissioner from money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
This will be a £1,000 funding pot for all 122 communities and an additional £10,000 for all eight policing units that local people can bid for to deliver projects which work with the local policing team and key partners to address specific issues.
In Congleton constituency’s towns, the named officers are:
- Alsager: PC Kerrie Cummings, PCSO Oli Branfield
- Congleton West: PC Iain Bell, PCSO Ben Hooper
- Goostrey and Holmes Chapel: PC Stuart Hatton, PCSO Liz Chester
- Middlewich: PC Roger Need and PC Michelle Prout, PCSO Tom Faulkner and PCSO Lauren Taylor
- Astbury, Rode Heath, Church Lawton: PC Katie Ritchie, PCSO Jeanette Carter
- Sandbach: PC Steve Dutton, PCSO Spike Elliott
If you are unsure which community officer serves you, search with your postcode at: https://www.cheshire.police.uk/a/your-area/. Using the same link, you can contact your local officer via the online form once you have entered your area/postcode.
