MP joins the beat in Yate (From Gazette Series)

MP joins the beat in Yate

8:30am Wednesday 11th November 2009 in

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NORTHAVON MP Steve Webb is on board with local police after taking a tour on the force’s ride along scheme.

Mr Webb joined officers from Chipping Sodbury police station last weekend to see for himself the crime they encounter.

He took time out of his busy schedule to see a typical Friday night shift in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury policing district.

Mr Webb said: "I am regularly in contact with the local police on behalf of local residents, so it was good to be able to see them in action at first hand.

"I was encouraged that a lot of their work on a Friday evening seemed to be about prevention - going to areas where there had been past problems with underage drinking or anti-social behaviour and trying to ensure that problems did not arise. "I was also impressed to see that the policing priorities identified by local residents at the local Safer Stronger Community meetings were clearly displayed at the local station and were acted on while I was on shift."

Mr Webb visited parks and chatted to teenagers who were gathering. Later in the shift, the MP switched from the neighbourhood policing team to the response team and observed as officers responded to a local 999 call.

He added: "I can't say that I envy the police their job, especially those responding to tricky 999 calls in the middle of the night, but my time with local officers and PCSOs increased my understanding and respect for the work that they do on our behalf."

Avon and Somerset Constabulary run a ride along scheme, where local dignitaries and members of the public can join officers for a weekend shift to see how crime is being tackled in their local area. For more information visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk