Following the successful launch of the Marine Community Partnership, the Area Commander for Medway, Chief Superintendent Steve Corbishley has been meeting some of the people to benefit from the new initiative.

The decision was taken to dedicate a PCSO to marine communities as the police service felt this was an area which had not previously received the same level of attention as others in the Medway community.

Frequent patrols

As with neighbourhood policing as a whole, the initiative provides a highly visible police presence and a point of contact for local residents. PCSO Michael Dann carries out frequent patrols and visits the many marinas, boat yards and marine leisure areas and is regularly on hand to provide advice, information and assistance.

One of the stops was to Chatham Marina where PCSO Dann and Chief Superintendent Corbishley spoke with the Marina Manager, Charlotte Walker. She said: ‘It’s very comforting knowing that Michael is here to help. Our customers and staff have had a massive increase in confidence knowing that there is a regular police presence around the marina.’

Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

Chief Superintendent Corbishley said:  ‘Kent Police is working hard to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime in Medway and our statistics reflect the excellent work that is taking place. We recognise the benefit of working closely with the marine community to make even greater improvements. 

‘To come and see the work that is being done is great and the comments from the people we have met have been extremely positive.  Hopefully the many marine communities we have in Medway will now feel more confident in the work that Kent Police in Medway is doing to keep them safe.’

Posted on: 18 November 2009