Supt Mel Paley – North Worcestershire LPA Commander – writes for the Standard.
THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner regularly commissions a public perceptions survey, to ensure we understand your views about your Police Service.
The results are shared with staff and discussed with my senior leads so we can examine where we can improve and understand what we are doing well.
I have just received the most recent survey results and was delighted to read many positive results.
Residents across North Worcestershire reported ‘satisfaction’ in levels of policing at 65 per cent, which is the highest in West Mercia. The data is also reflected in the public’s view on whether the police are doing an excellent or good job.
In North Worcestershire this stands at 66 per cent – again the highest in West Mercia. Public confidence in the force, across Worcestershire continues to remain high, currently standing at 82 per cent.
Importantly, I recognise there is never room for complacency.
An area I am committed to improving is how officers and staff share information and news about the work West Mercia Police is doing.
A total of 52 per cent of North Worcestershire residents reported they felt well informed and consequently this is something I am seeking to address.
Now onto to other news I believe will be of interest.
The construction of the new Redditch Police and Fire Station Combined Hub, on Middle House Lane continues at pace.
I’m pleased to be able to report plans remain on track, and we anticipate the premises to be complete and operational before the end of this year.
The station is being built to ensure the emergency services are both visible and accessible to residents and at the heart of the Redditch community.
Officers and staff will continue to be based in the Kingfisher Centre until the new station build is complete.
I will share more information about the move to the new station as we get nearer to the time.
Plans to introduce Town Centre Teams in Redditch and Kidderminster are expected to come to fruition in September.
Dedicated Safer Neighbourhood officers and PCSOs will provide focused support to businesses, residents and visitors through intensive activity in order to tackle crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
To reassure, this will not mean any reduction in service for people located outside of the town centre.
Your Safer Neighbourhood Teams, patrol resources and the Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team will continue to deliver everything they do now.
I hope, as you read this, edition of ‘Policing Matters’ we will be experiencing some sunshine and warmer weather.
Whilst enjoying the seasonal social and sporting opportunities please stay safe, look after each other and let your local Safer Neighbourhood Teams know if you need any policing support.
You can contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team emailing them directly, or via neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk
If you have not already, check out Neighbourhood Matters and see what it is about.
