Visable neighbourhood policing is really making a difference’

NEIGHBOURHOOD policing in the area has been revealed as one of Hertfordshire Contabulary's main strengths.

It was highlighted following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in April.

Chief Supt Gary Kitching, area commander, said: "We are making really good progress. The deployment of PCSOs are making a real difference in terms of visability and to deal with problems."

As a result the eastern region is looking to introduce an additional PCSO to Buntingford following Royston's boost in PCSOs this year.

Mr Kitching said: "The reality of policing is you have to be in communities. You have got to be on the ground and listening to people and that's what we are doing in neighbourhood policing with PCSOs and ward constables.

"There's already a real sense of community in Herts and it's something we need to treasure and look after."

The report also highlighted the force's good leadership, "outstanding" performance regime, a dynamic sense of purpose among staff as well as praising an 11.2 per cent increase in sanction detections.

Anti-social behaviour is the most common problem across the eastern region.

One of the constabulary's main objectives is to tackle offenders living outside the county who come in to commit crime.

Supt Adrian Walter, deputy area com-mander, said: "We are good at dealing with our own, but one of our challenges is the people that live outside the county and come into offend. These days people aren't afraid to travel miles to commit an offence like burglary."

By this time next year the force also hopes to improve public reassurance and look at how policing will have to change with society.

Police authority member Simon Marlow added: "We're always looking at the way the force is doing and this area is coming on in leaps and bounds.

"This is modern policing and it's going forward very well.