AS we begin a new year, there have been changes to the Police and Crime Commissioner role nationally, but my commitments remain the same: keeping people safe and ensuring policing is rooted in the communities it serves.
Neighbourhood policing continues to be at the heart of that approach, because visible, local policing builds trust and tackles the issues that matter most to you.
That’s why I have supported the national Winter of Action campaign, a programme running through December and January to keep communities safe during the festive season and darker evenings.
This initiative builds on the success of the Safer Streets Summer, with local policing teams increasing high-visibility patrols, working closely with businesses, and continuing important efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.
This includes campaigns such as StreetSafe, a national app that lets people anonymously report places where they feel unsafe, and Walk and Talk, where women join officers on patrol to share concerns and help shape safety measures.
The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee has already delivered 70 additional officers, PCSOs, and special constables into local teams, strengthening visible policing where it counts.
Here are some examples of how it is making an impact:
In Bristol, specially trained officers have been carrying out deployments in the city centre. These unpredictable patrols combine uniformed and plain-clothes officers to deter crime and keep people safe.
Recent activity led to several arrests, including a woman wanted on a warrant, a man recalled to prison, and another arrested for drugs and weapons offences.
Officers also acted swiftly to stop a prolific shoplifter, recovering nearly £400 worth of stolen goods.
In South Gloucestershire, mounted units joined neighbourhood teams for patrols around Bradley Stoke following reports of antisocial behaviour.
And when residents raised concerns about speeding at a local ‘Talk to Us’ event, the Speed Enforcement Team investigated.
Their checks revealed that over 84% of vehicles were exceeding the limit – a worrying figure that led to the road being added to the mobile enforcement schedule.
This shows how speaking to your local team can make a real difference.
This is what neighbourhood policing is all about: listening to communities, acting on concerns, and being there when it matters most.