Neighbourhood Policing in Lincolnshire Faces Six-Month Strain

Neighbourhood policing in Lincolnshire is predicted to undergo a challenging six-month period as a result of financial pressures and staffing shortages, as disclosed by South Holland Inspector, Matt Dickinson. During a recent conference, Dickinson unveiled a forthcoming trial whereby officers from neighbourhood, rural, and road divisions will be reassigned to focus on 999 emergencies and serious crime investigations. This change is likely to impact local policing duties, including addressing issues like insensitive cycling in Spalding town centre, which has been a matter of concern for local councillors.

By the end of January, the force will lose three community beat managers along with a sergeant, further adding pressure to resources as they need to reinforce frontline duties. At present, they are already two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) short.

There remains hope from Inspector Dickinson that officers will return to their neighbourhood roles after this trial, and mentioned continuous recruitment drives to bring the number of PCSOs back up to fifty. Even with these hopes and active efforts, the following six months are predicted to be testing.

James Le Sage, Independent councillor for Spalding St John’s Ward, while acknowledging the monetary pressures urged the police to tackle anti-social cycling, which has become a rising issue in the town centre. He highlighted the sight of school children cycling impulsively and how this posed threats to pedestrians in newly pedestrianised areas.

In his response to these concerns, Dickinson reassured that the South Holland policing team was considering the use of more expansive resources within the force to enhance education and enforcement within the community.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.