09 March 2010
Kent Police Authority has visited the Welcome Day Centre in High Street, Chatham, as part of a countywide tour to find out policing views from the elderly.
Around ten day care centre visitors were asked a range of questions by the Kent Police research team from their own experiences of policing to feelings of fear and vulnerability.
Kent Police Authority member, Tom Gates, and Police Community Support Officer, Margaret Rose and PC Julie Germaney, were all on hand to take questions and to offer advice.
The session highlighted concerns around going out after dark, the need for more foot patrols during weekends and holidays, as well as a lack of knowledge on how to contact their local Police Community Support Officer. The participants were also keen to join their local Neighbourhood Watch groups.
The visit forms part of a wider consultation programme run in conjunction with a school programme targeting young people. All the information from the visits will be collated and fed back to Kent Police.
Ann Barnes, Chair of the Kent Police Authority said: ‘Public feedback is vital to the Authority. How we shape future policing priorities is based on information we collect from the public we serve. We need to be out there talking to people from all backgrounds and ages, young or old and of different ethnic backgrounds. I believe face-to-face contact is integral to this and I’m pleased that the response to our visit has been so positive.
‘All the information from the session will be analysed and fed back to the Medway Area Commander and Authority members. Our thanks goes to the Welcome Day Centre for their support in making this consultation event possible.’
Des Keers, Deputy Area Commander said: ‘We have taken away a list of concerns from this meeting that we will look into. It’s really important that local people know how to contact their local Police Community Support Officer. This information can be accessed on the Kent Police website – www.kent.police.uk - through a postcode search. However, we appreciate this is not always the best route for everyone, and will make sure local officer details from across the Medway Towns are available at the centre.’
Preet Chander, Manager of the Welcome Day Centre said: ‘We are grateful to Kent Police Authority for coming to the day centre and listening to our clients. This has given an opportunity to those groups who actually face the problem but never get the chance to tell. We have received a tremendous response from our clients. We are looking forward to organising more sessions in future.’
If your interested in joining the Welcome Day Centre then contact Preet Chander on 01634 844639. The centre opens Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.