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Medway Police introduced Neighbourhood Police Officers to work alongside and to be in addition to Kent Police's intelligence led policing model back in November 2003. The move came as part of a new drive in multi agency cooperation intended to help to deal more effectively with nuisance youths, anti-social behaviour, quality of life issues and low-level crime.

Similar to the 'bobby on the beat' philosophy, Neighbourhood Officers have their own geographical area of responsibility. Medway Council divides the Medway into electoral Wards and Medway Police have adopted these areas providing a Neighbourhood Officer for each.

I have been the Neighbourhood Officer for Walderslade since November 2003 and will be working within this role for the foreseeable future, as part of a long-term initiative to reduce crime in the area. An important part of my role is to make the police more accessible to the public, including patrolling on foot! Please come and speak to me if you see me - I am very approachable!

I am the only Neighbourhood Officer for Walderslade and my 'patch' encompasses a fairly large area so I cannot promise you a miracle, however I can assure you that I am giving you 100% and I am determined to make a positive impact in Walderslade.

Obviously I can't be everywhere all the time and I am not Robocop so I don't work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! As the community you are my eyes and ears. I need information from you - whether you are prepared to supply an official statement or wish to remain anonymous. I work a varied shift pattern (including nights!) to keep the criminals guessing - they'll never know whether I'm round the next corner or not!

A Neighbourhood Officer is a community-based role and as such I visit schools, faith centres, community groups, local shops and many other organisations. It is vital that I maintain a wide network within the community so that I am accessible to all. I will try to keep you as up-to-date as possible with current issues and multi-agency activities through supporting Walderslade Online!.

If you need to speak with me regarding any matter please call the Medway Police Neighbourhood Policing Unit on 01634 884111. If I am not about, leave a message including your name and a contact telephone number so I can get back to you as soon as I can. Alternatively if you have information but wish to remain completely anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

I look forward to speaking to many more of you very soon.

PC Mark Pearson

Who's my Neighbourhood Officer?