Community Officer relies on local support
Last updated at 16:17, Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Working in Cleator Moor for the last four years, Sandra Dempsey relies on the public and her local PCSO Peter Moon to keep her up to speed with local issues.
Sandra said: “From our point of view if we don’t know about a problem then it doesn’t exist. I just can’t cover every square inch it’s impossible. I need people to help me.
“I rely on people to help me to be my eyes and ears and report things.
“Although crime is at the top of people’s list, quite often it’s about assurance and presence. Quite a proportion of my time is spent in the office with paperwork so it’s difficult for me to be a visible presence and that’s where Peter can help.”
As a community officer, she is keen to stress that the job is not all about dealing with crime. It is important to create assurance and a presence within the town. An active partnership role with local schools means that problems with needy or difficult pupils can be dealt with at an early stage with the issue of Active Behaviour Contracts.
She added: “A young person agrees not to behave in a certain way. What we find is that in many cases the contract works and doesn’t progress any further.
“We all recognise that in their teenage years, young people get into trouble. They do daft things. Quite often it is just a phase they go through. But we want to make sure that’s all it is and doesn’t lead to anything more serious. The ABC’s are a good way to do that and the schools are well on board with them.”
A working partnership with the local housing association Home means that community officers also have an active involvement with issues arising at Home properties throughout the town and a good understanding of local housing issues.
Sandra is currently chairing a committee raising funds to modernise the Cleator Moor Youth and Community Centre (CMYCC ) and provide a much needed venue for local clubs and youth organisations and is aware that tacking the underlying causes of anti social behaviour can have big benefits for everyone.
“It’s nice to feel that I can make a little bit of a difference in the area where I grew up.”
First published at 15:59, Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk
