Hello again, as I write this the snow has settled and there is a chill in the air. However, we are still here and an impressive number of staff made it in to work today to ensure we are able to continue to provide a good level of service.
I have been in post for a couple of months now. I have got to know my team, the areas of Northam & St Mary's and some of the good and not so good people in those areas. Rest assured, my team and I will continue working with the good people to make life difficult for the not so good. We can make a difference to Northam & St Mary's but we rely on your assistance and information. You can get in touch in a variety of ways; 0845 045 4545, 101, ryan.bartlett@hampshire.pnn.police.uk or by speaking to any of the officers you see out and about.
We have had a couple of personnel changes of late; the officers that covered Northam or St Mary's will now work as one big team so you may see a few different faces patrolling your area and PC Holly Freize has joined from the Polygon team. Holly will be leading the engagement work that the team does and I will be concentrating more on the crime investigation work that goes on. The service you receive won't change, but on occasions it will be me that attends these events and on others it will be Holly.
Remember as Christmas is fast approaching; please take basic crime prevention measures. Make sure doors and windows are locked, don't leave valuables on display (in your house or vehicle), use a light switch timer if you are going to be out or away whilst it's dark and don't leave empty boxes outside your address advertising the nice new presents you've received.
If I don't get a chance to speak again before Christmas then please have a very enjoyable holiday, stay safe and have a happy new year
Ryan
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
New Sergeant
Hello, and welcome to the first of my blogs!
I have now taken over from Dick Partridge and I’d like to start by thanking him for all the hard work he’s done for the people of St Mary’s & Northam over the years. In fact, Dick has recently been congratulated by the Chief Constable for the work he has done.
I’ve now been in post for a couple of weeks and I’ve managed to get out and about and walk around my new patch and meet some of the residents. I’m really glad to be in this post and I see it has a great opportunity. The key for me and the team is to keep working to the high standards that they have achieved and to keep improving. We will do this by speaking to the community about your issues and ensuring that St Mary’s & Northam remains a good place to live, work and visit
Thanks
Sgt Ryan Bartlett
I have now taken over from Dick Partridge and I’d like to start by thanking him for all the hard work he’s done for the people of St Mary’s & Northam over the years. In fact, Dick has recently been congratulated by the Chief Constable for the work he has done.
I’ve now been in post for a couple of weeks and I’ve managed to get out and about and walk around my new patch and meet some of the residents. I’m really glad to be in this post and I see it has a great opportunity. The key for me and the team is to keep working to the high standards that they have achieved and to keep improving. We will do this by speaking to the community about your issues and ensuring that St Mary’s & Northam remains a good place to live, work and visit
Thanks
Sgt Ryan Bartlett
Friday, 10 September 2010
Update from the Custody Sergeant Course
Hello again, just before Ryan comes into post and starts on the blog, I thought I could let you know about the course I am on. It is the end of the second week now, and my mind has been blown away!! Officers, and prisoners, always complain about how long it takes to get processed into custody and having to wait so long in the holding cell. Now I can tell them why. On the course, our first week was spent just going through the computer system that is used in custody. Although it is part of our main computer software, it has all its own applications relating to custody. The problem is that it is so confusing. Some of the sergeants on my course will only be doing custody duties as and when, and I feel sorry for them, as they will have to try to remember everything. At least, those of us that are moving full time to custody will be doing it all the time and get used to the system.
This week, we have been covering prisoner reception, booking in, risk assessment and welfare. It is a huge part of the course and covered by law. Obviously many of the prisoners that are in custody are vulnerable one way or another, under the influence of drink or drugs, injured from assaults – a whole multitude of risks. One of the sobering presentations has been from our Professional Standards Department relating to death in custody situations, and of course a huge input from medical professionals. Next week we have more in the classroom, followed by several days shadowing in a cell block. I shall do my shadowing in Southampton, so may come across some of my ‘friends’ from Northam and St Marys. That will be followed by 3 days of 1st Aid before I am let loose in custody. Anyway, back to class, and looking forward to a whole weekend off for a change.
Cheers
Dick
This week, we have been covering prisoner reception, booking in, risk assessment and welfare. It is a huge part of the course and covered by law. Obviously many of the prisoners that are in custody are vulnerable one way or another, under the influence of drink or drugs, injured from assaults – a whole multitude of risks. One of the sobering presentations has been from our Professional Standards Department relating to death in custody situations, and of course a huge input from medical professionals. Next week we have more in the classroom, followed by several days shadowing in a cell block. I shall do my shadowing in Southampton, so may come across some of my ‘friends’ from Northam and St Marys. That will be followed by 3 days of 1st Aid before I am let loose in custody. Anyway, back to class, and looking forward to a whole weekend off for a change.
Cheers
Dick
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Going, going, gone…………..Dick has left the building!!
Well, this is it, my final day as the Safer Neighbourhood Team Sgt for Northam and St Marys. I have spent the day clearing my desk and sorting stuff out ready for my replacement, Sgt Ryan Bartlett. He will also be taking over the blog.
Yesterday I took Ryan around both beats and visited some of the key people and agencies, my apologies to those we missed, but only had the day. In Northam we popped in and had a cup of tea with an elderly lady whom I have known since I was down there as the beat officer. Sadly, she has lost her husband, but he was interesting chap who was a dispatch rider in the war, and would always show his photos. She still remembers how I take my coffee. We visited the chair of the Northam residents group and later the chair of the Holyrood residents group. Agency wise we saw the girls at Baseline, they work with loads of the kids in our patch, and then on to Housing. I have worked really closely with Housing during my time here. The housing officers are so helpful and useful. They even had a leaving prezzie for me!! Thanks.
Work wise there is plenty going on. The major crime team are still in Northam on Operation Savannah, following up on the murder investigation for Shawn Williams. Yesterday we assisted the tasking team in 4 drug warrants in Northam and Holyrood. That resulted in several arrests. This is where we need the help of the community to tell us of their concerns, and then of course we need to act upon them. It is not always possible to deal with these things as quickly as we would like, and there may be other factors, or as often referred to as ‘the bigger picture’, but we will do everything we can. The team have been kept busy with several prisoners and finishing off some crimes. PC Dave Houghton has 2 chaps back on bail for charging with several offences in Northam, PC Sharon Conway has had 2 youths charged and another cautioned for an assault in St Marys. PC Jeanette Denton is arranging another traffic operation for Chapel Rd, to deter speeders and check documents while Central Bridge is still closed.
In amongst this we have supplied at least 2 PCSO each day to the Summer Activity Programme that we have assisted Saints in the Community at St Marys School. There have been 50-60 kids at the activities each day of the 4 weeks that it has been running. That has been a great success again. Yet again during the school holidays there has not been an increase in anti social behaviour on our patch, and it is schemes like this that help keep the kids busy.
I have just noticed the comment from Nigel about the Tilley Awards. This is an award scheme relating to problem solving policing. Due to success of the drug operations in Albion Towers it was decided to nominate Operation Acer to the awards in 2003 and was one of only two initiatives submitted by Hampshire Constabulary that year. Although we did not win anything it was listed in the Tilley Awards schedule for 2003. Relating to Nigels other question of how the number of PC and PCSO for each beat are allocate, this was last reviewed when safer neighbourhood policing was introduced. The numbers were calculated using a variety of information including the social demographics of the area, amount of reported crime, population etc etc. There is no doubt that with the impending government cuts that there will be further reviews.
Well, that’s about. I have spent a fortune in ASDA getting in the doughnuts for my last day, next Tuesday I am back to training school at Netley to start my custody course. I hope you have enjoyed reading the blog, thanks to all of those that have helped and supported me through the years and good luck for the future.
Over to you Ryan…………………..
Cheers
Dick
Yesterday I took Ryan around both beats and visited some of the key people and agencies, my apologies to those we missed, but only had the day. In Northam we popped in and had a cup of tea with an elderly lady whom I have known since I was down there as the beat officer. Sadly, she has lost her husband, but he was interesting chap who was a dispatch rider in the war, and would always show his photos. She still remembers how I take my coffee. We visited the chair of the Northam residents group and later the chair of the Holyrood residents group. Agency wise we saw the girls at Baseline, they work with loads of the kids in our patch, and then on to Housing. I have worked really closely with Housing during my time here. The housing officers are so helpful and useful. They even had a leaving prezzie for me!! Thanks.
Work wise there is plenty going on. The major crime team are still in Northam on Operation Savannah, following up on the murder investigation for Shawn Williams. Yesterday we assisted the tasking team in 4 drug warrants in Northam and Holyrood. That resulted in several arrests. This is where we need the help of the community to tell us of their concerns, and then of course we need to act upon them. It is not always possible to deal with these things as quickly as we would like, and there may be other factors, or as often referred to as ‘the bigger picture’, but we will do everything we can. The team have been kept busy with several prisoners and finishing off some crimes. PC Dave Houghton has 2 chaps back on bail for charging with several offences in Northam, PC Sharon Conway has had 2 youths charged and another cautioned for an assault in St Marys. PC Jeanette Denton is arranging another traffic operation for Chapel Rd, to deter speeders and check documents while Central Bridge is still closed.
In amongst this we have supplied at least 2 PCSO each day to the Summer Activity Programme that we have assisted Saints in the Community at St Marys School. There have been 50-60 kids at the activities each day of the 4 weeks that it has been running. That has been a great success again. Yet again during the school holidays there has not been an increase in anti social behaviour on our patch, and it is schemes like this that help keep the kids busy.
I have just noticed the comment from Nigel about the Tilley Awards. This is an award scheme relating to problem solving policing. Due to success of the drug operations in Albion Towers it was decided to nominate Operation Acer to the awards in 2003 and was one of only two initiatives submitted by Hampshire Constabulary that year. Although we did not win anything it was listed in the Tilley Awards schedule for 2003. Relating to Nigels other question of how the number of PC and PCSO for each beat are allocate, this was last reviewed when safer neighbourhood policing was introduced. The numbers were calculated using a variety of information including the social demographics of the area, amount of reported crime, population etc etc. There is no doubt that with the impending government cuts that there will be further reviews.
Well, that’s about. I have spent a fortune in ASDA getting in the doughnuts for my last day, next Tuesday I am back to training school at Netley to start my custody course. I hope you have enjoyed reading the blog, thanks to all of those that have helped and supported me through the years and good luck for the future.
Over to you Ryan…………………..
Cheers
Dick
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Saturday night in Southampton
Hello again,
As I am doing nights again for the late night economy operation I thought I would let you know what happened tonight. It was a surprise, but town was absolutely packed tonight. Loads of stag parties going around and loads of people out. The venues were all pleased as there have not been many busy nights in the current financial climate. Amazingly we only had 3 prisoners from the operation tonight, generally speaking everything was quite good natured.
The first prisoner was a chap going into Leisure World. While being searched, as a condition of entry he was found to have a knife in his bag – this is considered to be an offensive weapon, so he came in. The next prisoner was a bloke who has allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in a club. This was in the early hours of the morning and they had drunk quite a bit. We see loads of ‘domestics’ during an evening, but not many get violent. This chap was dragged out of the club, we have provided him with B & B and he will get dealt with later. The third prisoner was arrested for having a load of cannabis on him. Officers received information that he was carrying it, so they stopped him, searched him and found it. Again, he will be sorted out in the morning. There were also at least 3 drink drivers picked up in town tonight.
Nevertheless, the cells are quite full with prisoners being brought in from other parts of the city for burglary and fights amongst other things. This means the teams starting in the morning will be tied up dealing with nights prisoners before they can pick up the other jobs that come in.
Anyway, it means home time for me. I am off now until Wednesday, although I will spend up till lunchtime in bed today. A day to remember with Blackpool at the top of the premiership – well done to them – and thanks to Reading for getting a late goal at Pompey.
See you soon, Cheers
Dick
As I am doing nights again for the late night economy operation I thought I would let you know what happened tonight. It was a surprise, but town was absolutely packed tonight. Loads of stag parties going around and loads of people out. The venues were all pleased as there have not been many busy nights in the current financial climate. Amazingly we only had 3 prisoners from the operation tonight, generally speaking everything was quite good natured.
The first prisoner was a chap going into Leisure World. While being searched, as a condition of entry he was found to have a knife in his bag – this is considered to be an offensive weapon, so he came in. The next prisoner was a bloke who has allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in a club. This was in the early hours of the morning and they had drunk quite a bit. We see loads of ‘domestics’ during an evening, but not many get violent. This chap was dragged out of the club, we have provided him with B & B and he will get dealt with later. The third prisoner was arrested for having a load of cannabis on him. Officers received information that he was carrying it, so they stopped him, searched him and found it. Again, he will be sorted out in the morning. There were also at least 3 drink drivers picked up in town tonight.
Nevertheless, the cells are quite full with prisoners being brought in from other parts of the city for burglary and fights amongst other things. This means the teams starting in the morning will be tied up dealing with nights prisoners before they can pick up the other jobs that come in.
Anyway, it means home time for me. I am off now until Wednesday, although I will spend up till lunchtime in bed today. A day to remember with Blackpool at the top of the premiership – well done to them – and thanks to Reading for getting a late goal at Pompey.
See you soon, Cheers
Dick
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Back from leave.
Hello again. I am back from my leave. My wife and I went out to Canada to visit our son and family, great to see the grandchildren again. We had a few days in the Rockies – even saw 2 bears, which is more than we saw in the two and half years we spent out there in the 80’s when I was in the Army.
Back to work and there was quite a bit to catch up on. We have had the incident where a man was assaulted in Northam, went to hospital but was later found dead in Shirley. There have been several meetings in Northam regarding this and a lot of activity from our colleagues in the major crime team.
On Tuesday we had the St Marys PACT (Partners and Community Together) meeting and had the best attendance we have had for this meeting with 18 people coming along. Only one of the Community Priorities were changed. The drug litter issues in the bin area of Carpathia Drive was changed back to nuisance at the football cage in James St. Following the last meeting we spoke to the management of the Deanery Estate and they put locks on the door to the bin area at Carpathia Drive which seems to have reduced that problem, although we think the users may be using somewhere else on the estate now. James St cage has been on and off for months. Unfortunately, as I have mentioned before – it is a football facility and people use it for football (most of the time) but they are noisy and it is in close proximity to some flats. The other priorities of youth nuisance on Holyrood Estate and drug issues at Albion Towers play area were retained. The youth nuisance group in Holyrood – well actually they are more like young adults – the 16-19 age group – have been frequently particular properties that are causing problems and we are working with the council to try to sort that out. This group, which consists of people from all over the city, have been committing crime in various parts of the city, so have lots of officers chasing them. Three have been arrested and remanded in custody, several others arrested and on bail so we will keep chasing them.
This weekend is my VCS (Violent Crime Strategy) duty again. Tonight, Friday, was actually not a bad duty. We only had one arrest relating to the night time economy. That was a young girl arrested for being drunk and incapable in Town Quay. She was found lying on the ground, totally out of it. The officers wanted to take her home, but she refused all details, so in she came. Most venues closed by two o’clock and only a few were happy with the numbers of customers. It’s a hard time for them aswell. Of course, we are more than happy with this situation, although there was a nasty feeling in the air when everyone spilled into the streets when the venues closed, so we were lucky that there was not more trouble. I saw the street pastors once tonight, they really are good, they came down to do 1st Aid on a chap who was bleeding but did not know how he got the injury. We will have to see how Saturday goes, if I get time I will pop another blog on. My duty for VCS is a 12hr duty, 1830hrs to 0630hrs, but often I am still sorting out files and reports until 0630hrs – and by then all I want to do is go home. Anyway that’s where I will be in a few hours, grab a paper on the way home and sit down with a glass of red before bed.
See you later
Dick
Back to work and there was quite a bit to catch up on. We have had the incident where a man was assaulted in Northam, went to hospital but was later found dead in Shirley. There have been several meetings in Northam regarding this and a lot of activity from our colleagues in the major crime team.
On Tuesday we had the St Marys PACT (Partners and Community Together) meeting and had the best attendance we have had for this meeting with 18 people coming along. Only one of the Community Priorities were changed. The drug litter issues in the bin area of Carpathia Drive was changed back to nuisance at the football cage in James St. Following the last meeting we spoke to the management of the Deanery Estate and they put locks on the door to the bin area at Carpathia Drive which seems to have reduced that problem, although we think the users may be using somewhere else on the estate now. James St cage has been on and off for months. Unfortunately, as I have mentioned before – it is a football facility and people use it for football (most of the time) but they are noisy and it is in close proximity to some flats. The other priorities of youth nuisance on Holyrood Estate and drug issues at Albion Towers play area were retained. The youth nuisance group in Holyrood – well actually they are more like young adults – the 16-19 age group – have been frequently particular properties that are causing problems and we are working with the council to try to sort that out. This group, which consists of people from all over the city, have been committing crime in various parts of the city, so have lots of officers chasing them. Three have been arrested and remanded in custody, several others arrested and on bail so we will keep chasing them.
This weekend is my VCS (Violent Crime Strategy) duty again. Tonight, Friday, was actually not a bad duty. We only had one arrest relating to the night time economy. That was a young girl arrested for being drunk and incapable in Town Quay. She was found lying on the ground, totally out of it. The officers wanted to take her home, but she refused all details, so in she came. Most venues closed by two o’clock and only a few were happy with the numbers of customers. It’s a hard time for them aswell. Of course, we are more than happy with this situation, although there was a nasty feeling in the air when everyone spilled into the streets when the venues closed, so we were lucky that there was not more trouble. I saw the street pastors once tonight, they really are good, they came down to do 1st Aid on a chap who was bleeding but did not know how he got the injury. We will have to see how Saturday goes, if I get time I will pop another blog on. My duty for VCS is a 12hr duty, 1830hrs to 0630hrs, but often I am still sorting out files and reports until 0630hrs – and by then all I want to do is go home. Anyway that’s where I will be in a few hours, grab a paper on the way home and sit down with a glass of red before bed.
See you later
Dick
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
On leave until August 9th
Hello,
I am just writing this as I tidy up to go leave tonight. The team have busy busy with a variety of stuff today - PC Sharon Conway had an arrest to make following a forensic hit at a cannabis factory she found on a warrant a few weeks ago. The arrest was made and more stuff was found at this premises, that will keep her busy for a while. PC Jeanette Denton did an Op Stop (where we stop vehicles to talk to drivers at locations that have been brought to our notice) at Chapel where people have complained of speeding vehicles due to the diversion with Central Bridge being closed. She did the operation with several PCSOs and assisted by a PC from the rsponse team - and they ended up issuing 6 tickets for various offences.
Last night we had the St Marys PACT meeting. The community priorities were changed to youth groups in Holyrood Estate, drug use in and around Albion Towers Play Area and Drug use in the bin area of Carpathia Drive. The meeting was well attended and we had some good discussions. We have spoken to some of the other agencies to try to solve these issues - or certainly reduce them.
That is it - a short one tonight, I am off on leave and will update once I am back on 9 August
Cheers
Dick
I am just writing this as I tidy up to go leave tonight. The team have busy busy with a variety of stuff today - PC Sharon Conway had an arrest to make following a forensic hit at a cannabis factory she found on a warrant a few weeks ago. The arrest was made and more stuff was found at this premises, that will keep her busy for a while. PC Jeanette Denton did an Op Stop (where we stop vehicles to talk to drivers at locations that have been brought to our notice) at Chapel where people have complained of speeding vehicles due to the diversion with Central Bridge being closed. She did the operation with several PCSOs and assisted by a PC from the rsponse team - and they ended up issuing 6 tickets for various offences.
Last night we had the St Marys PACT meeting. The community priorities were changed to youth groups in Holyrood Estate, drug use in and around Albion Towers Play Area and Drug use in the bin area of Carpathia Drive. The meeting was well attended and we had some good discussions. We have spoken to some of the other agencies to try to solve these issues - or certainly reduce them.
That is it - a short one tonight, I am off on leave and will update once I am back on 9 August
Cheers
Dick
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