Policing in the Hastings community

From: Steve Rodrick, Laton Road, Hastings
Jo Shiner, Chief Constable of East SussexJo Shiner, Chief Constable of East Sussex
Jo Shiner, Chief Constable of East Sussex

Last week Jo Shiner, Chief Constable for Sussex Police, made some reassuring statements about tackling knife crime which I’m sure we all welcome; although I don’t believe Hastings is a violent town.

I was particularly pleased to read that she wants to work more closely with local people.

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She was quoted saying, ‘We want local people to feel like they can walk up to an officer or PCSO and just talk to them’.

When I read this I realised how out of touch she must be. Who ever sees a police officer anywhere other than in a patrol car usually disappearing in a blur of blue lights?

Her words echoed those of Chief Inspector Godley when she arrived a couple of years ago.

She told The Observer one of her priorities was to have more foot patrols in the town.

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We’re still waiting. We’re told there has been a recruitment drive recently so one assumes the new officers have been posted elsewhere.

I know these senior officers will mean it when I see Bobbies on the beat or better still on their bikes.