Thanet officer helps local group learn about policing

Thanet community safety officers were given a warm welcome when they paid a visit to a local community group in Westgate-on-Sea.

The town’s neighbourhood beat officer, PC Steve England, and community liaison officer for the district, Daiga Jansone, visited Deaf Friends, a book club aimed at those who are deaf or hard of hearing on Saturday 30 September 2023 at St Saviour’s Church.

As part of Books Beyond Words, a programme which aims to make reading accessible, the attendees read a book about the daily work of police. PC England was able to talk to them about his experience of being a police officer and answer any questions they might have about his job.

They also got to see the equipment carried by police, as well as a chance to sit in a police patrol car.

Meeting needs of the community

PC England said: ‘It was a complete pleasure to meet the group and we had such a warm welcome from everyone including the amazing volunteers who work with them.

‘I talked to them about their book, about my duties as a beat officer, and how they feel about police in general, as well as the kit that we wear while on duty. I hope they feel reassured after meeting us that police are here to help the public and keep people safe.

‘This meeting allowed us to learn how we can tailor our policing to meet their needs, to ensure that we deliver that first-class service to all members of our communities.’

Thanet Community Safety Inspector Jim Woodward said: ‘Our beat officers are a vital part of neighbourhood policing and work hard to build relationships with the communities they serve.’