Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team assist Teesside University MA Students

Neighbourhood Policing officers in Middlesbrough have assisted with the work of MA students from Teesside University.

International student Oluwasanmi Ayorinde contacted police after coming to the Middlesbrough area from Nigeria to study for an MA in Digital Media and Communication. After being impressed at how local Cleveland Police officers reached out to the multi-ethnic student community in Middlesbrough, he enlisted some help from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team with his work.

Sergeant Des Horton, who has been a neighbourhood officer based in Coulby Newham for 18 months but joined the Force six years ago, was more than happy to assist.

Oluwasanmi and his fellow student, Michelle Augustine, met with Sergeant Horton to film a piece to camera where Sgt Horton talked to them about his work within the local communities that he polices, how the Force works with a number of diverse communities and what training is given to officers around this, and how officers actively engage with the local communities to build trust and positive relationships. 

Speaking of the interview which he took part in, Sergeant Horton said: “As a neighbourhood officer, our day to day role is primarily about speaking to people within our communities to build trust and confidence and to encourage them to come to us and tell us about the issues affecting them that they need help with.

“It was good to speak with both Oluwasanmi and Michelle about how neighbourhood policing works; and as residents of Middlesbrough for them to get an insight into how we can help members of the public and how we work with partner agencies to solve problems within local communities. It is important for us to engage with all corners of the community and to make sure students know we are here to help and will listen if they have concerns.

“It was additionally rewarding to know that this may have contributed towards assisting them in their Masters. I’d like to thank lecturer Darren Thwaites and Teesside University for assisting with organising this opportunity for everyone and I’d like to wish both students the best of luck with the rest of their course.”

 

Pictured (L-R): Student Michelle Augustine, Sergeant Des Horton and student Oluwasanmi Ayorinde