From 23rd to 29th January 2023, Lancashire Police’s West Division took part in the National Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action.
West Division, which covers the areas of Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe, carried out numerous engagement-led initiatives throughout the week to show a glimpse into the life of neighbourhood policing and what the job involves.
Activity across the division included school visits, bike coding, community drop-in sessions and drugs warrants. Some teams used online resources, taking to social media to host online question and answer sessions and ‘day in the life’ videos.
Blackpool Police hosted Operation Roleplay Day, which saw over 250 children visit The Grange community centre in Blackpool to become a police officer for the day. Activities included dressing up as a police officer, working with a CSI team, taking fingerprints, and being put in a police cell. Children also had the chance to investigate crimes such as locating a stolen bike.
Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, lead for Neighbourhood Policing in Lancashire, said: “The fantastic work that was highlighted throughout this week of action is just a snapshot into the jobs that Neighbourhood policing teams do day-in, day-out.
“It is important that we maintain a strong relationship between our officers and the local community, to increase trust and let them know that we are dedicated to solving the issues that matter most to them.”