New South Yorkshire Police boss lists issues to be tackled as she takes on new role
and live on Freeview channel 276
Superintendent Lynne Knox, a new member of the command team in Rotherham, said she wants to focus on crimes which matter most to local people and listed burglary, drugs, anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and vehicle crime.
She vowed to also concentrate on organised crime groups after specialising in tackling gangs during 27 years spent in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said: “I want to focus on those crimes which matter most to the local community.
“Why? because drugs gangs will happily take the profits whilst ruining young people’s lives; perpetrators of domestic abuse will wreck families and burglary, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour will cause fear in communities, usually amongst the most vulnerable.
“My priority is to improve the connection local people feel they have with their police service and give our communities a voice. We will make sure we listen and respond to what the people we serve are telling us. We work across many diverse communities and it is our role to ensure that all their concerns and needs are at the heart of our decision making.”
She added: “Prior to my arrival, Rotherham completely transformed its response times. People only call us when they really need us and we now get there faster.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Our ultimate goal is to ensure victims get a quality service and feel confident in our approach. That includes ongoing contact and updates about the criminal investigation, knowing who to call if you have questions and being signposted to services for help outside of policing who can provide that additional support.”
On the issue of organised crime groups, she said: “The actions of OCGs and their mistreatment of vulnerable people has a knock-on impact into other areas of criminality. We take a zero tolerance approach to violent crime and drugs supply in South Yorkshire. By disrupting these gangs, we can make a real positive difference to people who live and work here.
“Young and vulnerable people are often very easy pickings for these gangs. Alongside enforcement, we must take a partnership approach to early intervention: supporting employment opportunities, prioritising mental health and wellbeing and enhancing personal development. The prevention is better than the cure.”
