Devon and Cornwall Police
As the Plymouth Diverse Communities Team Manager, It is an exciting and challenging time for the Police, who along with all public authorities face significant economic change. Although Devon and Cornwall Police has a reputation for providing excellent levels of customer service, it is recognised that as individuals and as an organisation there are always areas for improvement, whether this be through cost savings to the taxpayer or striving to provide the best possible Policing services to our communities.
We have recently been able to begin a process of refining, reviewing and seeking to improve the levels of service we provide to vulnerable people and diverse communities. We have been able to do this by further investment in our staffing levels and are proud to have introduced the first two dedicated Hate Crime Detectives in Devon and Cornwall, who work within the Diverse Communities Team. These two Detectives are experienced Police Officers who provide specialist support to victims and witnesses of Hate Crimes, whilst investigating crimes against vulnerable people and bringing offenders to justice. They have a dual role in building and maintaining close links with Diverse Communities throughout Plymouth and are already making a real difference to the quality of service we are able to provide to victims across the City.
In order to strengthen the links already made by other officers, we have also introduced two new Police Constables into the team, whose primary responsibility is to promote our work and assist in building cohesive, engaged and supportive relationships with Diverse Communities throughout Plymouth. Much of their work involves community development projects and being available to assist and take part in community cohesion events. Moving the multiculturalism agenda forward is of course everyone’s responsibility and we look forward to working with our partners and other Police colleagues in helping to promote a City which is attractive to residents and visitors alike. The officer assigned to the LGBT community is Richard Potts who can be contacted through the means outlined below.
In overseeing the review of the Diverse Communities Team I am determined to take a real opportunity to improve our effectiveness in combating hate crime and offences committed against vulnerable people in Plymouth. You can rest assured we will do our utmost to make a positive difference in bringing to justice those who target their fellow citizens simply because they are different.
If you have any thoughts or questions I really would encourage you to get in touch. We can be contacted at Charles Cross Police Station in Plymouth City Centre, by telephone on (01752) 676946 or by email at plymouth.diversity@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk if you require the Police for an emergency please phone 999, a non-emergency 08452 777444 further information is held on our website http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk