Gedling borough’s new police inspector has revealed his key priorities for local policing in the borough.
Inspector Steven King has taken over the reins as the new inspector for neighbourhoods across Arnold, Calverton, Ravenshead, Carlton, Netherfield and the rural areas in-between.
The new inspector has promised to engage with communities as his team continues the fight against local crime.
After most recently working as an inspector in prisoner handling, he is looking forward to a new forward-facing role, making communities across this part of the county safer.
It is also a return to neighbourhood policing for Inspector King, who previously served as a constable and sergeant on neighbourhood teams.
“I’m passionate about neighbourhood policing and see it as the cornerstone in how we police the county,” he said.
“We are the visible presence in our communities, engaging with the public and enforcing on local issues.
“With that in mind I really want to hear from people in Gedling borough about the crime issues which are impacting on their lives as I look to set our future priorities.
“The public know how they want to be policed so I need to know what they want for their neighbourhood, how we can make them feel safe and listened to and how we can deliver that to them.”
Gedling’s borough key policing priorities are currently antisocial behaviour, shop theft and begging, but Inspector King wants people to have their say.
“Whether it’s through beat surgeries or via neighbourhood alerts I’d like to hear from you.
“We know antisocial behaviour remains a key issue for many but I’m also keen to find new ways to engage with young people and encourage early intervention whenever appropriate.
“Acquisitive crime, like burglary and robbery, which can have a deep impact on victims, are thankfully rare but neighbourhood teams will always respond to any incidents in our communities.”
Inspector King has 17 years of policing under his belt, and as well as neighbourhoods has served as a detective inspector in public protection and in such diverse areas as knife crime and counter corruption.
He is additionally a hostage and crisis negotiator.
“Gedling is a great place to live with diverse and vibrant communities,” he said.
“We’re currently in a very good place with local policing and my team is working on a number of initiatives – alongside internal and external partners – that are designed to make the local community even safer than it already is.
“My experience as an investigator will help with this goal. I have worked in proactive roles, response and public protection and have a determination to keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”
Inspector King says the make-up of his beat team will be remaining the same for consistency and to allow neighbourhood officers to continue their engagement work within the community.
He has three sergeants, 14 police constables, and 10 PCSOs within the team.
Inspector King is also keen to continue the work of former neighbourhood inspector Heather Harding and take an active role in community initiatives and partnerships between police, partners and community leaders.
“I’ve already received a warm welcome from local councillors and other partners, and I’m looking forward to building these relationships further,” he added.
“My message to the public is to please speak to our officers while they are out on patrol or get in touch via 101.”
Keep Arnold safe please. Our capital our London
He will listen to some communities more tha others.