A visible police presence can reassure the public and help to reduce unnecessary fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. The Constabulary should maximise the time spent by uniformed officers in public at times and locations which provide 'high visibility' patrol. People can also be reassured through personal contact with police officers. Throughout the county there should be convenient opportunities for members of the public to meet or get in touch with Constabulary staff. For every identifiable community within Suffolk there should be one or more named police officers whose duties include providing contact with, and reassurance to, that community.
The Constabulary should encourage in all officers a receptiveness to personal contact with members of the public whenever possible. What will this statement mean for the public?" The public will see as many officers on patrol as it is possible for the Chief Constable to provide within existing resources and given the many other tasks that have to be carried out - but it should be recognised that such patrols are not the solution to all problems.
It will be easy to contact the police by telephone. This is often the most effective and economical method of contact and helps to keep the greatest possible numbers of officers out on patrol. There will be a convenient location, wherever one lives in the county, at which it will be possible, at appropriate times, to meet a police officer.
It may be necessary to pre-arrange a telephone call to, or meeting with, a particular officer. People living in rural communities will have access to police officers at 'local surgeries' wherever feasible. Parish Council representatives will also be encouraged to participate. Conventional police stations are principally operating bases for police officers - and will be provided and located for that purpose.
We shall find
that Officers will be encouraged to become known to, and to develop a sense
of personal responsibility for, particular local communities.
The Chief Constable will endeavour to maintain officers in post long enough
to build up a strong rapport with the community they serve.