Interview with Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Caro
An important part of Playing Out is all the partnerships that have been developed over the years and we are lucky to have support from so many local initiatives and charities. Another important partnership is with the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team, Inspector Paul Caro shares with us the work of the Safer Neighbourhood Team and why they support the Playing Out scheme in the St Albans District
What is your role as the Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector?
I manage the neighbourhood policing teams in St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney and the Community Safety Unit. These are made up of Sergeants, Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). I plan strategy, direct deployment of resources and develop key working relationships with partners, including St Albans City and District Council.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Addressing local issues, helping to protect people, especially those who are vulnerable and ensuring those having a negative impact on the community are dealt with appropriately.
Who else is in the Neighbourhood Policing Team what do they do?
Every household, business and school is within a policing ward and each is looked after by dedicated officers who are responsible for problem solving and prevention activity to tackle local crime and anti-social behaviour. The District is divided into 3 areas – all of which are overseen and managed by a Sergeant. I also lead the Community Protection team who are responsible for race hate, ASB and licensing.
What are the key priorities for the Neighbourhood Policing Team?
Neighbourhood Poling Teams work alongside partners to focus on solving long and short-term neighbourhood issues, such as anti-social behaviour, theft, speeding and drug-related crime.
After analysing data, we set local policing priorities every four months, to provide a specific focus on the issues which are currently causing the most concern to residents locally. Feedback from members of the public also plays a vital part. You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit bit.ly/hertspolice-psf and tell us your thoughts. Join our community messaging platform Herts Connected at hertsconnected.co.uk where you will receive free local police messages.
The area is also policed by Intervention officers who respond to emergency calls, the Local Crime Unit which investigates the more serious crimes such as burglary, robbery and assault, and specialist units such as Operation Scorpion which work to tackle acquisitive crime. In addition, they can utilise officers from central teams which work countywide.
Why does the Neighbourhood Policing Team support Playing Out?
Playing out is a fantastic project that brings local communities together and provides a safe environment for children and young people to play outside. It helps create community cohesion and an opportunity for people feeling isolated to make new friendships.
You say ‘prevention’ is best why is this and do you think Playing Out can help promote Safer Neighbourhoods?
We would always prefer someone to not be a victim of crime, so we work to help prevent crimes from happening in the first place, for example purse dipping (pickpocketing). We have targeted operations in the city centre using plain clothed officers and work with CCTV operators at St Albans City and District Council to spot and arrest purse dippers.
Are your team able to attend any Playing Out Sessions if residents would like them to?
Yes absolutely. Whilst there is competing demands on my officers’ time, we recognise that community events are fantastic opportunities for us to engage with local people and find out how we can help improve people’s quality of life by dealing with anti-social behaviour problems and other concerns.
To find out more about Playing Out, how to apply and our upcoming information sessions please visit our website here.