Aimed at cutting crime and providing high visible presence
Police officers will be out on patrol Putney Bridge Station and trains more than ever before following the launch of new British Transport Police Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
Led by a Sergeant, the teams comprise police constables and police community support officers (PCSOs) and will be supported by a 24 hour response team across the entire LU and DLR network.
The teams have been created to cut crime and provide a highly visible presence at Tube stations and will work in partnership with other BTP teams, London Underground and DLR staff and the Metropolitan Police Service to address crime issues affecting the Tube.
BTP has 30 Neighbourhood Policing Teams, comprised of officers from BTP’s existing establishment, now operating right across the London network which will link closely with their communities to address local priorities.
Under the national Neighbourhood Policing model, the teams will spend a minimum of 85% of their time in their dedicated area doing work that directly impacts their neighbourhood, allowing them to be on proactive patrol more than ever before.
Chief Constable Ian Johnston said, "BTP has always policed these Tube stations but our new teams will now spend even more time in their local area tackling crime.
"The figures show that crime at Tube stations in nearly every borough has decreased and now we want to make sure that people are not only safe, but also feel safe.
"The teams will be working with members of their local community to identify local problems, as well as working to develop targeted solutions to tackling crime and the type of behaviour that may not be criminal but which makes people feel unsafe.
"The teams will work closely with LU and DLR staff to tackle staff assaults and anti-social behaviour and I encourage people to approach officers and raise any concerns they have about safety or criminality on the Tube."
The officers and PCSOs on the teams will conduct regular patrols, run targeted operations and hold public meetings with people the area to identify local needs and priorities.
August 6, 2008
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