RARELY has team spirit and total co-operation been more practically displayed than when, the Home Secretary and Redditch MP, Jacqui Smith, discussed the role of Neighbourhood Watch with Chief Superintendent David Spencer D' Division and delegates from Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and Redditch D' Division Neighbourhood Watch.
The recognition of Neighbourhood Watch was enhanced when the Home Secretary was kind enough to take time out from a busy schedule to meet with the police and grass root' co-ordinators at Redditch Police Station.
We were made to feel very much a valued part of the police family when essentially local strategies were discussed resulting in our united approach at the meeting.
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In welcoming us, she paid tribute to the work of Neighbourhood Watch. She gave an upbeat but realistic presentation of the overall crime scene, and responded to observations made by the police in their scene-setting review of the larger police family.
In my address as chairman I stated members of Neighbourhood Watch are volunteers giving freely of their time, whilst preserving their independence, integrate into the wider police family and are proud to be recognised and associated with such a splendid police force as West Mercia.
Initial questions regarding future funding for Crimestoppers, an extremely effective partner; and the opportunity to remedy the relationship between drugs and crime did not appear to have been taken when criminals are in custody, thus ensuring that when released, they of necessity to feed their habit return to crime, rather than beginning a crime free life after effective prison treatment. Of the 81,000 prison population it is estimated more than six out of ten of them are hardened drug users, and well over half the total prison population will go back inside.
Both initial questions were answered in a positive manner, which was maintained as each delegate posed questions, particularly interesting was the role of Community Wardens, when both the Home Secretary and thepPolice were in agreement as to the valuable service they undertake.
Neighbourhood Watch is an all embracing and satisfying involvement with people of like minds to reduce crime and the fear of crime, particularly to the more vulnerable members of society, and to improve quality of life in their community.
Anyone who would like to participate would be welcomed!. For further information contact Mel Clarke at Bromsgrove Police Station on 01457 444 888).
John Tidmarsh, Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch D' Division
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