Inspector Robert Mitchell is the new Police Inspector for Havant sector, which includes the neighbourhood of St Faith’s, Hayling Island, Bedhampton and Emsworth. He assumed his new role in February this year having moved from the Fareham area where he was a Targeted Patrol Inspector, supervising teams that provide 24/7 emergency response across Central Hampshire.
He has more than 12 years service with Hampshire
Constabulary, with a wide range of experience having served in
Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Fareham and now Havant.
Inspector Mitchell’s aim to is to significantly reduce the
level of reported anti-social behaviour within his four
neighbourhoods, utilising the Safer Neighbourhoods Teams which
comprise of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Police
Officers and members of the Special Constabulary.
The expectation is that PCSOs spend 80% of their time out on patrol and are extremely accessible to the public to report crime and problems. Their role includes:
Police officers in each neighbourhood team have different tasks, including:
Inspector Mitchell says: "I am very excited to be leading the Neighbourhood Teams in Havant, who have been doing an excellent job of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and reassuring the communities they serve through visible patrols and active engagement.
"Hayling Island, for example, has seen a
further reduction in total crime last year on top of impressive
reductions the year before, due partly to the successful
restructuring of the Neighbourhood Team which has meant better
response to problems, but also to the greater trust of the public
and partners. Neighbourhood Watch has continued to play a valuable
part in this.
"The Special Constabulary has also been an invaluable
asset to have alongside our regular officer colleagues. A good
example is working alongside regular Officers in Havant Town on a
Friday and Saturday evening to target violent crime and anti-social
behaviour associated with late-night drinking.
The introduction of the Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) in
the Borough has assisted Officers in effectively tackling such
crime.”
“All four Neighbourhood Teams are actively working on priorities specific to their own communities, ranging from anti-social behaviour to criminal damage. These priorities have been agreed upon after engaging and consulting with partners, residents, and other members of the community. The Teams are using innovative ideas to solve problems, and engaging with other services to find long-term solutions.”
“The use of police bicycles has proved
particularly helpful in providing a visible presence, and enabling
Officers to reach areas that vehicles cannot. Funding for a number
of these bicycles was provided by partners and the community.
In addition to the bikes, the use of head cameras by PCSOs and
Officers has resulted in evidence for ASBOs as well as successful
court cases against persistent offenders. “
"Speeding is a problem that continues to affect some areas, and any
concerns can be sent by email to the Road Policing Unit Community
Reassurance Team by following the link below:
Email the Road
Policing Unit Community Reassuarance Team >>
Safer Neighbourhood Teams are continually striving to meet the
needs of their communities. My aim is for every person to know who
their local team is, and to feel able to contact them easily.
“
"This website and our Safer Neighbourhood pages should allow
that, but if you see an Officer on foot or on bike in your
neighbourhood please stop and speak to them. I am always keen to
hear about ways we can improve our service to the community.”
Chief Inspector Will Schofield is the District Police Commander for Havant and Waterlooville and is the current Vice-Chair of the Safer Havant Partnership. Chief Inspector Schofield has written an update on police activity and partnership working for visitors to the Safer Havant Partnership website.
Follow the link below to read Chief Inspector Will Schofield's full update