Acting Chief Constable Rob Nixon discusses the challenges of policing during the darker months, and the importance of PCSOs within the community.
At this time of year Leicestershire Police looks closely at night time economy across the city, county and Rutland. The nights have drawn in, the academic year has begun and we are looking forward to all the traditional celebrations.
As Acting Chief Constable, I want all of our communities to feel safe during the darker nights. Whether you are taking part in Eid Celebrations, Diwali or attending Bonfire Night events, I want you to celebrate safely. We have been working hard through the summer months with our communities and organisers to make sure we have the right policing plans in place for these events.
Darker nights bring different challenges around crime. We look carefully at the night time economy to ensure we have the right resources in the right place at the right time. However, it is important to keep yourself and your property safe too. Whether your home or your business, it is always important for you to review your security measures. I also want people to be aware of their own personal safety; if you are out and about, ensure you have a way to get home and do not to take unnecessary risks.
I am looking forward to Diwali this year – which, post-Covid, I am sure our communities are excited to being able to celebrate fully in their homes and on the streets of our city. We have policed Diwali for many years and it is an event that brings us all together and I know we all enjoy it.
In November, it is the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s) who have become an integral part of community policing. All of our PCSO’s are committed to making a difference and walk miles during each shift linking in with local businesses and community leaders. We will be acknowledging these 20 years within the force, but if you see a PCSO just remember they have now been on your streets helping keep you safe for all that time.
Recruitment continues to be an important issue for us. We have been given an uplift budget by the government to recruit 200 extra officers and although we are nearly on target we continue to put energy into getting the right people. It is important that we do everything we can to recruit staff to reflect the communities that we serve. Policing is an amazing job where no day is the same. I have enjoyed more than 29 years as a police officer and I am incredibly proud of Leicestershire Police.
If you are interested in becoming an officer or a member of police staff, take a look at our website: www.leics.police.uk
