New South Trafford Neighbourhood Policing Team unveiled (From Messenger Newspapers)

New South Trafford Neighbourhood Policing Team unveiled

11:34am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

THE new South Trafford Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) went live on Tuesday (March 12) and while some things will change, much of core policing will remain the same, according to those heading up the unit.

The new integrated team will be led by former Sale neighbourhood inspector, Laura Burgess, and Detective Inspector Myra Ball, based primarily at Altrincham Police Station.

Insp Burgess and DI Ball shared their vision for South Trafford NPT with Messenger.

Det Insp Ball said: “Our vision is just about working together as one integrated team, pooling together all our skills in order to safeguard the people of Trafford and provide them with a swifter, more effective service.”

Although Sale and Altrincham NPTs will become one, residents should not see a difference in the amount of police patrolling the streets, according to Insp Burgess.

“People shouldn’t see any difference to the number of police on the streets, in fact they should see an improvement, as some previously plain clothes officers will now be back in uniform,” she added.

Having a detective inspector on the team is a key difference, as former CID officers and neighbourhood police will no longer function as separate entities.

“We’re aiming to bring community work into investigations more and increase communication and share experience, which will allow both neighbourhood and officers who were previously CID to become skilled in areas they weren’t skilled in before,” said Det Insp Ball.

Ins Burgess said that although the front desk is now closed at Sale and has been for some time, the station is still operational 24 hours a day and officers can still meet with community members there.

Click on the video to see and hear what Insp Burgess’ vision for South Trafford NPT is.