A NEW policing model has been introduced across West Mercia, including Worcester, aimed at putting more officers on duty during times of greatest need.
The changes went live on Sunday and senior officers say it follows extensive research into crime statistics and how officers respond to incidents.
A spokesperson said: “Local communities will see no changes to Safer Neighbourhood Teams and local policing teams, as we have worked hard to protect these resources.
“Named Safer Neighbourhood Teams will continue to work with their communities and partner organisations to solve particular problems of concern.
“Police officers will be more visible within communities and will make best use of new technologies to tackle local issues and improve public access to them via digital channels.
“The changes to team structures and shift patterns will mean there will be more uniformed officers in the right places, at the right time to tackle crime and provide reassurance and protection.”
West Mercia Police has also withdrawn from the Central Motorway Policing Group, releasing 25 officers to become part of the force’s roads policing service.
They will work to improve roads policing, prevent offending and keep the public safe across the region’s large and complex roads network.
West Mercia Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Martin Evans, said: “These changes mean that we will not only maintain, but should in fact increase the visibility of police officers within our communities.
“We have made significant investments in technology which will help to keep officers visible in their communities, enabling them to perform far more administration tasks away from the station.
“The changes to our roads policing service means officers who have been providing a regional motorways policing service will now be able to concentrate on policing the strategic roads network across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford. ”
