A NEW system of policing designed to identify problems at an early stage and target them effectively is already at work in West Craven.

The system, based on "Problem Oriented Policing" aims to make better use of the resources available, with officers encouraged to work smarter rather than harder.

It is less than 18 months since a system of "geographical policing" was introduced across the Pennine Division, including West Craven. It divided the area into 20 beats with a specific officer assigned to each beat.

But while the system looked fine on paper, officers complained that it was unworkable in reality. The main problem was that there were simply not enough officers to cover the beats.

The new system, loosely termed "ward policing", aims to carry over the best bits of the old system and leave the worst bits behind.

Officers will still be given responsibility for particular areas, but the new system takes as its starting point the need to identify the problems in any area and find ways to successfully deal with them.

Insp Neil Chessell, the man in charge of the day-to-day policing of the Pennine Division, explained that was the basis of "Problem Oriented Policing" - shortened to "POP".

"It means working closely with local groups such as Neighbourhood Watch, parish and town councils, residents' groups and so on to identify what the problems are and come up with agreed ways to deal with them," said Insp Chessell.

He added that officers would be responsible for building up partnerships with key people in their areas, as well as targeting known offenders. It is a very proactive approach - not reacting to crime after it happens but working to identify problems before they get out of hand and taking action to prevent that happening.

"We're certainly not looking to move individual officers who have already built up strong relationships on their patch, but rather to support them," said the Inspector. "They're doing a good job and we recognise that."

Insp Chessell stressed that the new approach relied heavily on teamwork by officers, with the station sergeant as the team leader.

In West Craven, the introduction of the new approach coincides with the arrival of a new sergeant with a strong background in "POP".

Sergeant Peter Henderson joined the force as a cadet in Burnley 32 years ago and has always worked in the Burnley and Pendle areas. Peter is a strong advocate of "POP", seeing it as a practical approach grounded in sound common sense. For the past few months he has been responsible for developing and co-ordinating the POP methods now being employed throughout the Pennine Division.

"It's just a case of identifying problems at an early stage and intervening to stop them getting worse," he said. "We want to be on top of problems before they become problems."

But he said the police couldn't do that without the help of the public.

In particular, Sgt Henderson would like to boost the number of Special Constables in West Craven - volunteers trained to work alongside full-time officers in policing their communities. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Special Constabulary should call at the police station for information. In the meantime, anyone wanting to speak to Sgt Henderson or arrange to meet him should call the police on 01282 425001 and ask to be put through to Barnoldswick Police Station.

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