A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD BEAT MANAGER, PAUL ROGERSON

Paul's 2-10 shift began by checking force resources to find out what’s been going on whilst he was off-shift.

He has been a neighbourhood beat manager (formally community beat manager) for eight months and has been an officer for four years. Paul's priorities for that day will be carrying out speed checks and visiting several residents who have requested to see him. Leaving Histon station, Paul drives around a ‘problem area’ of Cottenham. Police work is on going to pull the different areas – and ages – of this community together. This work also extends to giving talks and having a presence at the local youth club. Cottenham’s Travellers’ site is another area Paul takes time to visit to see which pitches are vacant, as well as creating relationships.

Cottenham residents recognise Paul well and stop him as he’s driving round. As well as working in a neighbourhood, and carrying out the priorities that go along with it, Paul also responds reactively to incidents. On this day several fire engines, an ambulance and another police car drive at high speed in the opposite direction, Paul follows.

A fatal collision had just taken place on Twentypence Road and Paul's duty was to create a roadblock. After being at the scene for around at least an hour, it was time to resume neighbourhood duties again before heading back to the office to complete his paperwork.

Attending the fatal accident, meant that some of Paul's plans for the day had changed, but that is all part of the varied role of a neighbourhood beat manager.