Three new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have joined the Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) this month after they completed their training at the force's Headquarters in Penrith.
PCSO Fiona Goodman will be covering Kirkby Stephen and Upper Eden. She previously worked as a teaching assistant.
PCSO Kelsey Laurie will cover Penrith East – Pategill, Carleton, Scaws and New Streets. Kelsey has a certificate in Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation and has previously worked in Penrith Town centre.
Finally, PCSO Emily Powell will be working in the Penrith West area - Wetheriggs, Castle Park, Brunswick Square, Castletown and Townhead. She has previously worked at Hunter Lane Front Counter.
All three have already been out in their areas, getting to know local residents and business owners and understanding the issues that affect their communities.
The new staff have joined as part of Cumbria’s commitment to strengthening Neighbourhood Policing, in line with the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has provided increased funding for dedicated local policing resources.
Sergeant Phil Hall, Eden NPT said: “These new PCSOs are a great addition to the Eden NPT and they have already begun to build relationships and tackling issues in their areas.
“PCSOs support the work of our Community Beat Officers and provide a visible policing presence on our streets to prevent crime and tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour – which are key policing priorities here in Eden.
“If you see any of our officers out on patrol in the coming weeks, please say hello and get to know them. They will be holding local meetings within the community which you can find advertised on social media, newsletters and on our website in the ‘Your Area’ section.”
Cumbria’s Fire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dave Allen said: “I’m delighted to see that three new PCSOs have joined the Eden Neighbourhood Policing Team – one of my key promises to the public was that they would see more investment in their local policing teams providing a more visible presence.
“PCSOs are a vital part of Cumbria’s neighbourhood policing teams, I will continue to keep fighting for more investment from central government so we can put more Community Beat Officers and PCSOs on Cumbria’s streets.
“Please do say hello to your new PCSOs if you meet them over the coming weeks. I started my career as a ‘local bobby on the beat’ and it was by building those relationships with local residents that you solve crimes and act as problem solvers in your community.”