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Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Community Engagement

In April 2004 the rollout of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) began across every borough in London. The introduction of SNTs was supported by the Metropolitan Police Authority, the Home Office, the Mayor of London and the Greater London Assembly. Their introduction has been brought forward so that in April 2006 every ward in London has a team in place. These teams blend a return to traditional community beat policing with a new commitment to a more accountable and representative police service, where local people have a say in deciding the policing priorities for their communities. Each team covers a single Council ward and will consist of

  • 1 sergeant
  • 2 police constables (PCs) and
  • 3 police community support officers (PCSOs)

In the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames the first wards to get SNTs were South Richmond, Whitton & Heathfield (which were twinned) and Mortlake & Barnes Common in 2004. These were then extended in 2005 to include Ham, Petersham & Richmond Riverside; Barnes, Teddington, Hampton North and Twickenham Riverside. Finally this April the remaining 10 wards were allocated teams.  

To fulfil the accountability and consultative requirements of SNTs, each team has set up, or is the process of setting up, either a police liaison group (PLG) or an SNT panel, which meet on average every 2-3 months. The purpose of these groups is to allow local residents and businesses the chance to hear about the work of the SNT, raise issues of concern and every 6 months select their 3 top priorities for their local team to address. To get involved look out for posters advertising the next meeting in your area or contact the sergeant for your local SNT via the link below.

More information

For further information on SNTs you can visit the Metropolitan Police Service website page http://www.met.police.uk/saferneighbourhoods/

Richmond upon Thames residents can also stay informed by registering to receive the weekly “Communities Together Bulletins”. To register go to www.police.uk and use the link in the bottom right hand corner of the homepage.