New beat leader pledges commitment to neighbourhood policing

Sidmouth Herald: Sergeant Pete BoornSergeant Pete Boorn (Image: Archant)

Tackling antisocial behaviour, speeding issues and safeguarding communities are on the agenda for Ottery’s new head of police.

Sergeant Pete Boorn pledged a commitment to neighbourhood policing this week as he talked about the challenges of working a large – and growing – rural patch and prioritising demands of an increasingly stretched team.

The new beat leader spent 22 years in the Royal Marines before joining the force 13 years ago, where he gained experience as a community beat manager, going on to work in CID.

He was most recently a detective constable then detective sergeant in Exmouth before transferring to Ottery.

Sgt Boorn said: “The issue for me is how we are going to carry on doing neighbourhood policing. I have got a team [of three PCSOs and two PCs] at the moment that works to safeguard people.

“There is a demand for policing in Ottery and also Cranbrook and Broadclyst. I’m looking forward to neighbourhood policing because I always enjoyed it and it was always my intention to return.

“I have been a sergeant for just over seven years. I started my police career in Exeter and I was the neighbourhood beat manager for the Wonford area then went to CID and was promoted to Plymouth.

“Here, I need to start looking at crime and anti social behaviour and see if there is any safeguarding to be done. I know speeding in towns and villages is an issue for people.

“If something impacts on people’s quality of life then we should deal with it, but there are always calls that take priority.

“The PCSOs are a real link into the community and they are our eyes and ears.”