Join officers in Stockton to help make a difference to your community

Members of the public are being encouraged to be part of a group that works closely with officers to help improve policing in their community.

The Independent Advisory Group (IAGs) provides an opportunity for people to raise issues affecting residents, advise police officers on how to communicate effectively with their community and offer advice and guidance.

The meetings – usually held every two or three months – also highlights community tensions with solutions, and develops a working partnership of trust, confidence and transparency between the local force and the community.

Anyone interested in becoming an IAG volunteer can initially find more information – and ask questions to Inspector Matthew Reeves, PC Neil Harrison and a Police Community Support Officer – at a meeting being held at The Family Hub, Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3PJ on Tuesday 6 February from 5.30pm until 7pm.

Inspector Matthew Reeves, from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “To make a positive difference to everyone within our community involves listening to the people who live and work here. Only then do we understand the impact that we are having and what we need to do to make it an even better place for people to live and work.

“IAG members from all corners of our communities are a vital part in helping us to achieve that.

“If this sounds of interest to you, and you have thoughts on how you think we should be providing a service to your community or need the voice of your community raised and heard through policing, I encourage you to consider joining the IAG.”