Authority Members join Police Patrols on the street.
5th April 2011
As Part of the 'Back to the Floor Day' several members of the Authority joined officers around Lincolnshire...
Members took part in observing drugs raids and well as joining local officers on patrol within communities.
You can see a video of Authority member Fred Mann talking about his day here, through YouTube.
Below, Authority member, Fred Mann writes about the time he spent with the team;
As a member of the Police Authority I participated in "Back to the Floor day" when members of the Authority, senior officers and staff spend the day with serving officers across Lincolnshire observing normal operations and discussing the issues currently facing policing in the County.
I joined the Monday morning shift at Grantham Police station which meant an early 7am start. After joining the shift hand over briefing I left with PC Hope Phillips to serve warrants at several addresses across town. There were no answers at any of the doors although there may well have been occupants behind them!! However sooner or later the warrants will be served. We then patrolled the town and rural roads looking for traffic infringements such as use of mobile phones.
Upon return I observed the morning division briefing when via video link with Spalding and Stamford stations senior officers could share information and be briefed on what had appeared to be a very busy weekend including a local murder.
I was soon back out into Grantham with the neighbourhood team covering the east side of town. I was surprised at the number of pick up trucks we came upon some carrying scrap metal. Registration numbers were taken and checked.(Later in the day there was to be an operation to visit scrap yards to inspect records and link up information. Scrap is currently a lucrative business with a pick up load fetching about £500 from a dealer )
During the hour spent touring the East area we dropped a PSCO at a primary school for their weekly visit and also drove past houses where known drug dealers lived to observe any activity. This routine work can often bring results as well a giving reassurance to residents who can see police presence fairly regularly in thneir area. This also held true for places where there were current issues with anti social behaviour.
On return to the station I rejoined PC Phillips who was operating the town car. She was following up a complaint of possible harassment from a resident. I was, with the residents permission, allowed to observe the interview and also the subsequent follow up with the other person involved. I was really impressed with the sensitive manner PC Phillips dealt with those involved and how she obtained relevant information in what were quite challenging circumstances involving a vulnerable adult. This investigation which started as quite routine developed during the afternoon to become potentially more serious and so would be followed up the next day. Back at the station PC Phillips logged all the information and prepared the ground for her further investigations.
By the end of the shift I was impressed by the dedication, local knowledge and sheer professionalism of those I observed and worked with. I also realise that what may appear routine work is essential in building information and being able to connect seemingly small incidents or observations into what may well eventually lead to solving crime or preventing criminal activity. During all this there is the unexpected response to incidents which have to take priority and can interrupt other work. I was also so conscious of the team being the essence of police work. It was obvious that at Grantham there is a strong team ethos which manifests itself at all levels.
Thank you to Grantham police for an informative ,stimulating and most rewarding day.