Introducing The New Face Of Policing In Broadland
Posted: 1st Sep 2008
There's a new face on the Broadland beat with the arrival of a new local policing leader.
Superintendant Mike Fawcett has taken the helm for policing in the district following his move from Warwickshire Constabulary.
He aims to harness the opportunity for truly local policing to tackle those crimes which most affect Broadland's communities.
Speaking from his base at Sprowston police station, Supt Mike Fawcett said: "Broadland is one of the safest places to live in Norfolk and has relatively low crime figures. There is however, a high level fear of crime which needs to be addressed."
"We will treat every crime seriously because it is a big issue to those involved. The new structure in Norfolk empowers local leaders to tailor policing to deal with the issues in their area and that is exactly what I aim to do."
Supt Fawcett worked in many roles during his 15-year career with Warwickshire Constabulary after serving 9 years in the armed forces. Some of his highs include arresting prolific offenders and managing the seizure of £3 million pounds worth of cannabis as the Rugby District Commander. To date he has had no lows in his policing career. Supt Fawcett said:" I love the variety and challenge of the job and most of all protecting communities".
Supt Mike Fawcett has been happily married for 20 years and has two sons. He enjoys playing a variety of different sports with his family including swimming, tennis, football, road biking and has completed two London marathons and taken part in road races and cross country.
In his new post in Broadland, Mike Fawcett leads a team of three Inspectors who are responsible for policing the seven neighbourhoods which make up the Broadland district.
- Insp Brian Pincher heads Reepham, Acle, Aylsham.
- Insp Pat Allen heads Sprowston, Spixworth and Thorpe St Andrew.
- Insp Carolyn James heads Drayton, Taverham, Hellesdon and Horsford.
Supt Fawcett said his team will meet the Constabulary's pledge of "reducing, crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime" by focusing its attention on the key issues identified by analysis and local residents.
"Safer Neighbourhood Teams and their response colleagues in Broadland are already making significant inroads, with big reductions in crime and an increase in detection rates of 6% since the start of June 2008," explained the Supt.
"We will always be looking to improve on this which is why the Inspectors are currently leading on three separate operations - known as Bank, Banter and Backstreet - targeting seasonal increases in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage throughout the school holidays."
The operations commenced before the school break with an input by Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) at schools. Warning letters were also sent to youngsters with a history of anti-social behaviour.
Under the initiatives, Broadland SNTs will be taking a positive approach to any anti-social behaviour or criminal damage throughout the holidays with:
- Increased high visibility and covert patrols
- Video recording of offences and offenders using hand-held cameras
- Positive action and sanctions against offenders
- Alcohol test purchases of off licences with trading standards
- Forensic examination normally reserved for major crime