Shining a light on the impact of neighbourhood policing in Merseyside

This week, (15 – 21 June) Merseyside Police is supporting Neighbourhood Policing Week, a national initiative highlighting the vital role neighbourhood policing plays in reducing crime and keeping communities safe year-round.

Whilst every week in policing is a week of action, the force is keen to recognise the dedication of officers and staff and showcase the impact of neighbourhood teams across Merseyside.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss who is responsible for leading the four Basic Command Units across the region said: “Nobody knows our local communities better than our neighbourhood teams. We value local knowledge because it helps us understand concerns and respond effectively.

“We know people want to see more officers in their neighbourhoods and understand how local police are tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. Merseyside Police remains committed to visible and accessible neighbourhood policing, and our recent restructure means more officers are now present in the communities they serve, focusing on the issues that matter most to residents.”

Key investments include:

• 67 additional officers dedicated to neighbourhood policing
• A new neighbourhood hub at Lower Lane, Fazakerley
• A second neighbourhood hub in Newton-le-Willows

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss added: “By moving to four Basic Command Units, communities will see a more consistent local presence, with teams able to make quicker decisions and focus on priority issues.

“Additional officers will significantly strengthen our frontline capability. By investing in response policing, neighbourhood teams and maintaining our Community Support Officers, we are reaffirming our commitment to visible, proactive policing.”

To bring to life the type of work our neighbourhood officers conduct every day, recent examples highlight both the compassion and proactive policing taking place across our communities.

A neighbourhood constable from Liverpool Basic Command Unit has recently delivered outstanding support to a vulnerable local family, going above and beyond to make a lasting difference. What began as a routine intervention quickly uncovered significant hardship, with the family struggling to afford basic necessities, including food. Acting swiftly, officers secured longer-term support, linking the family to food provision, youth services and opportunities for the children, demonstrating the impact of early intervention and compassionate policing.

In a separate operation, intelligence from a Police Community Support Officer based in our Sefton Basic Command Unit, identified a potential spotter linked to drug activity, prompting a swift and coordinated response from local officers. Proactive policing led to stop searches, arrests and further enquiries, with support from the Town Centre Team and local policing colleagues to search associated properties. The operation resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of significant quantities of drugs, cash and supply equipment, highlighting strong teamwork and a continued commitment to tackling criminality.

Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Neighbourhood Policing Week is a vital opportunity to recognise the outstanding work of our local officers and staff who are at the heart of keeping our communities safe.

“I know how important it is for residents to see a visible police presence they can trust, and these continued investments in neighbourhood policing; from more officers to new local hubs, will help strengthen those connections and ensure policing is more responsive to the issues that matter most locally.

“By focusing on prevention, early intervention and strong community relationships, Merseyside Police is helping to build safer, more confident neighbourhoods right across our region.”

Residents can stay up to date with policing activity in their area through local Merseyside Police social media accounts on Facebook and Next Door, where updates, appeals and advice are regularly shared.

If you visit the ‘Your Area’ section of the force website, you can find information such as your local officer, get the latest crime statistics and advice, and find out what we are doing to tackle crime in your area. You can visit this page here: Your area | Merseyside Police

Anyone with information about crime or anti-social behaviour is encouraged to report it via:

• Facebook: Merseyside Police Contact Centre
• Online via the Merseyside Police website

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.