Worcester’s MP Robin Walker recently spent the afternoon with the West Mercia Local Policing Priorities Team to experience what it’s like to be on the front line of crime prevention.
The West Mercia Local Policing Priorities Team (LPPT) is a new division funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, which provides a visible policing response and presence to increase public reassurance and disrupt criminal networks.
The LPPT’s priorities include ending child sexual exploitation, serious organised crime, domestic violence, burglary and dangerous driving. The South West Mercia LPPT comprises 22 uniformed officers across Worcestershire and Herefordshire who provide highly visible patrols gathering intelligence, and targeting criminal behaviours.
Robin was extremely impressed by the vital work undertaken by the LPPT, but particularly by the speed of response and proactive approach to disturbing the activities of unlawful networks.
The LPPT’s use of technology such as body worn cameras is vital in allowing for the maintenance of an active police presence in the community, and assists in the prosecuting more criminals and the gathering of key pieces of evidence and intelligence.
Speaking about his ride-along with the LPPT, Robin said:
“I have always been an advocate for our hard-working local police teams. Officers work tirelessly, placing themselves in the line of danger, to protect citizens from harm and prevent criminal activity. I was proud to support the recent enactment of the Assaults on Emergency Workers Bill, and am happy to see legislative changes recognizing the priceless public service emergency workers provide every day.”
“I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with officers in Worcester last week, witnessing first-hand the types of issues that face West Mercia Police and the nature of their work in Worcester. I want to take this opportunity to thank police officers up and down the country, but especially in Worcester, for working around the clock to keep us safe. I’d also like to thank West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion for his role in establishing this unit and allocating funding.”
Grant Fraser, one of the officers who allowed Robin to accompany him on his duties, said:
“Mr Walker came out with the Worcester Local Policing Priorities Team on Friday to experience working with the team. The recently formed team has the opportunity to provide a pro-active uniform response to many community issues including targeting high risk offender and disrupting criminal gangs, all in an effort to protect individuals and make communities safer.”
“In a short period of time Mr Walker has witnessed the team attempt to locate and arrest outstanding high risk offenders wanted on warrant, conducted drugs related stop searches, targeted travelling criminals with further stops, and assisted in dealing with a potentially serious Road Traffic Collision. This followed work earlier in the week executing warrants in relation to County Lines Drug Supply.”
“Hopefully it was a positive experience for Mr Walker, and he has seen first-hand the work that the team is involved in, the complexities it often entails, and what we are working towards in line with West Mercia Police’s ‘Protect’ campaign.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “Our communities want visible, proactive policing which focuses on the priorities that matter to them, and the LPPT is just one example of how this is being delivered day to day. The investments I’ve made, in technology for example, help to make this a success. West Mercia Police officers are a credit to their communities they serve, and their hard work and professionalism helps to keep the public safe.”
For more information on the LPPT, click here.
Issued: Tuesday 13th December 2018
