Crime-busters

TOP team . . . Chief Supt Denise Worth announcing the start of new policing methods across Oldham

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A DYNAMIC focus on neighbourhood policing is at the heart of a sweeping new borough-wide operation which went live yesterday.

The major move sees dramatic changes in shift patterns with police geographically realigned with the borough boundaries to have more officers on the ground backed by PCSOs.

And, in line with GMP’s Local Policing Review, they plan to establish a “citizen contract” working closer with community members to make communities safer.

Revealing the moves, Supt Denise Worth, based at Oldham’s police HQ, said: “Oldham will be one big neighbourhood policing team working together to deal with demand but from the outset improve problem-solving and the way we are policing communities.

“The contract will establish more Homewatch and Business Watch to reduce crime.

“It will also respond to harm and risks evident in communities so we can safeguard people, help to reassure them and make the place they live safer for everyone.”

She explained: “Currently, a response team deals with the demand across the borough, which involves all calls to police from the public.

“We also have Neighbourhood Policing teams working with the community and are involved in problem solving and help to support and improve the lives of those in the community.

But sometimes this has been difficult as the demand coming in to police has meant neighbourhood officers have had to support our response officers, which takes them away from Neighbourhood Policing.

“But now this will be possible because we will reduce operations to four shifts which will increase our numbers.

“And the shifts will be geographically aligned to areas, making them more efficient and ensuring officers have more ownership and responsibility for the areas they are working.

“It helps to bring communities together and solve problems and issues affecting each of the communities we serve.

“And, as we move forward with this new model, we will be committed to place, which involves integrated working with partners and professionals to identify issues within communities and identify the correct responses to tackle and improve them.”

The superintendent vowed they will continue to work towards the objectives of the Police and Crime Plan:

• Tackling crime and anti social behaviour

• Putting victims at the centre

• Protecting vulnerable people

• Dealing with terrorism, serious organised crime and maintaining public safety

• Investing in and delivering high quality policing services

• Building and strengthening partnerships.

She added:” This supports Oldham’s Policing Strategy and Vision – local policing, protecting vulnerable people, serious and organised crime.

“Our mission is to be visible, accessible and care about protecting communities and keeping people safe, engage communities and partners in identifying problems, be intelligence led, innovative and develop joint problem solving activities which improve the quality of life for local communities.”