Police access aim for rural communities
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden has spoken of his goal to ensure rural communities have a voice and can access the police when they need them.
The pledge is one of a number made by PCCs across the country in an awareness raising video issued during a rural crime action week led by the National Rural Crime Network, which runs until Friday 25 October.
Commissioner Godden said: “Rural crime is a significant issue impacting some of the most vulnerable and isolated communities in Nottinghamshire.
“As part of A Safer Nottinghamshire For All Plan, I am dedicated to enhancing the visibility, accessibility and capacity of our neighbourhood policing teams.
“This means ensuring more officers are present on the beat and actively engaging with the communities they serve.
“One of my priorities is neighbourhood policing and very shortly in Nottinghamshire you will see a significant change in the model of neighbourhood policing which will benefit all of our communities.
“I understand the feelings of isolation within the rural community, and I aim to ensure residents are familiar with their neighbourhood team and know how to reach them.
“I want rural residents to be confident in reporting crimes to the police, assured that appropriate actions will be taken.
“We – the police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner – are committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of police responses by equipping officers with the necessary resources, training, skills and capabilities.
“That’s why we have a rural policing team who have the capacity to deal with specialist issues that relate to rural crime.
“My goal is to ensure victims receive the support they need and have a stronger voice in shaping local services.
“We will strengthen our partnership efforts to protect the vulnerable and maintain community safety.
“It is my priority to make sure that all the communities of Nottinghamshire are safe and those who are in rural communities have a voice and are able to access the police when they need them.”