On the beat in Barton

NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE

Last week, our Corporate Communications Unit spent the day with the Neighbourhood Policing Team covering the Barton patch in Scunthorpe.

Throughout the summer we have been showing the public what it really means to be an officer sitting at the heart of the neighbourhoods that make up our force area. Whilst it’s daily business for all local policing officers, it’s given us a chance to really get to know them, understand what they deal with, and dive deeper into the amazing work they do to make our streets safer, all year round.

Here’s a rundown of a day in the life of Barton officers who engage with local residents, build crucial relationships with young people, work with colleagues from across the force, and collaborate with key partners all to make Barton a safer place to live.

7.30am: We arrive at Barton Police Station and are met by Sergeant Sarah Jackson who heads up the team.

8am: After their three rest days, PCSOs Tracy Dyas, Amelie Smith, Richard Lawson, and Sabina Stefanescu, and Neighbourhood Beat Officer Chris Howson arrive, set up, and start planning for their days ahead.

PCSOs Tracy and Amelie are dedicated officers covering Winterton and Burton, Ferry Ward is covered by PCSOs Richard and Tracy alongside Neighbourhood Beat Officer Oliver. PCSO Sabina and Beat Officer Chris cover Barton.

10am: They all head out together following information that a wanted man was in the area in connection with reports of a vehicle theft. Whilst they don’t locate him (this time!) they did find a man in possession of a quantity of suspected cannabis and he was dealt with by community resolution,

10.30am: Back to the office, it’s time for Sabina and Chris to check several logs that need following up on around their Barton patch before we head out again to action them.

11am: We then head out with Sabina and Chris, and first on the agenda was meeting with a couple of local residents about an ongoing neighbour dispute. We take a CCTV camera with us to provide to the resident to hook up to the front of her house for evidential purposes and peace of mind.

We then met an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor at an address to provide a Clare’s Law disclosure. This scheme enables the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have. Through Clare’s Law you can:

• Apply for information about your current partner because you’re worried they may have a history of abuse and are a risk to you
• Request information about the current partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried they might be at risk

Find out more: Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Humberside Police

On the drive, we learnt a lot about all the work Sabina and Chris do within the community from engaging with vulnerable people and local businesses, to young people, partners, and everyone in between.

Sabina was telling us about some engagement activity she is currently running with a group of young people who want to work with her to reduce anti social behaviour in the area, and deter other young people away from it. They are looking at sharing their creative ideas with the local council in an effort to retrieve some funding to make it happen, ultimately making where they live a happier, safer place to go.

They were telling us about how important it is to build relationships with everyone on their patch, they’re on first name terms, they have a mutual trust and understanding, and those that engage know that Sabina and Chris are on their side and want the best for where they live and work too. They both said how rewarding this is, and their second favourite part of the job is the brilliant team they get to work who’re all fountains of knowledge and know their patch inside out!

2pm: Back to the police station for a ward meeting which happens every few months where partners from Humberside Fire and Rescue Services, housing services, North East Lincolnshire Council, Environmental Health, and Safer Neighbourhoods all come together to discuss any emerging issues they’re seeing on their patch, share ideas on how they can collaborate and problem solve to get the best outcome for victims, the most vulnerable, and hold those accountable for their crimes.

3.30pm: The ward meeting wrapped up, and we said see you later as we were seeing the team again on Monday (8, September) for a Winterton warrant!

💻Did you know you can find out who your local Neighbourhood Police Officer is?

All you have to do is head to our website, go to ‘Find Your Area’ at the top of the homepage, pop in your postcode, and click ‘On the Team’.

You’ll see the friendly faces behind the uniform, and you can also look at the teams priorities as well as understand the crime levels in your area.

🗨We encourage our communities to always let us know of any concerns or information about crime in your area by speaking to officers when you see them out and about.

📱You can also report via our website too or call our non-emergency number 101.

🚨Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is ongoing.

Keep an eye on our website, and social media accounts for more on what we’re getting up to, and of course sign up to My Community Alert to find out what’s happening on your street!