Monthly Feature
The Monthly Feature page is for members of the community who would like to use this space to promote their society/club, or who have an interesting article, good samaritan story, charity work report, that would be of interest to the community of the parish.
Police Community Support Officer
Hi I am Ben King your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for the West Moors, St Leonard’s and St Ives beat area. I really enjoy the job as it offers me the opportunity to get out and about within the community and talk to people about beat issues.
I am often asked what the role of a PCSO is and I could roll off a list of things that we work towards but in summary PCSO’s work to build community confidence by reducing crime and reduce the fear of crime. We aim to deter antisocial behaviour and improve the physical appearance of towns and villages as well as providing community reassurance. We also provide a main point of contact to members of the public.
I am very pro active in my approach to community policing and I have always held the view that my desk is out on the street and not in the station.
A typical late shift for me on a Friday evening consists of a 3pm start; I usually get to the station early so it gives me time to check what has happened in the area I cover so I am aware of any problems that have occurred whilst I have been off duty. After doing this I walk to the local school for 3.15pm to make sure everything is safe for when the children leave school.
On a Friday night I think it is crucial to let everyone know you are out and about, as it is reassuring to members of the public who want to see a Police presence in their area. After my walk, it’s back to the station for my briefing with the sergeant. I usually go out on foot patrol with a fellow PCSO or my Community Beat Officer Nigel after 7pm as when it gets later into the evening it is nice to have a colleague with you to support you if a situation arises.
Most Friday evenings I will get a call over the radio from the control room asking me to attend antisocial behaviour incidents involving young people on the street; I have to deal with these incidents in a mature and professional way. I am very understanding of the young people of today as in fairness to them there isn’t much for them to do except hang around on a street corner and talk with their mates, they’re not necessarily doing anything wrong however people feel intimidated by large groups of young people which is understandable but generally unnecessary as in my experience most are all good natured with ambitions in life.
Before heading off duty at 2300hrs I usually take a look at the local industrial estates to check there is nothing suspicious happening. When I get back to the station I update my pocket notebook and then finally go home.
Ben King 5355
Ferndown Safer Neighbourhood Team
Dorset Police