Police are trying to rebuild links with the community

Haringey police outline moves to improve relations with community since the disorder

Wednesday, August 8, 2012
5:22 PM

Fixing the strained relationship highlighted by the events of 12 months ago has been a priority for police in Haringey in the last year.

Over and over again, reports have noted the lack of trust between the police and some in the community.

Certain members of the Tottenham community still eye the police with suspicion.

Yet the borough’s police have worked hard and revised how they interact with people in Tottenham and across Haringey to rebuild the broken relationship.

The four new neighbourhood police teams (NPTs), with the help of 50 extra officers, now respond more effectively to serious crime and anti-social behaviour.

NPTs have also led on ensuring each secondary school in the borough has a nominated police officer, with more policing presence between 3pm and 4.30pm on schooldays, while the NPTs have also been at the forefront of engaging with local businesses.

New recruits are also deployed to these teams when they arrive in the borough, to help them get to know the community they are serving better.

The number of stop and searches - a key bone of contention with the community, especially among young people - has also dropped by half in the year since the disorder.

Last summer’s riots has led to a more open police force - especially through its popular Twitter account, found @MPSHaringey.

Borough commander Sandra Looby said: “We have introduced a number of schemes and initiatives over the past year designed to demonstrate our commitment to the local area and our desire to be a real part of the local community. We want local people to know we are approachable and committed to cutting crime, taking tough action against offenders and making their borough a safe place to live and work in.

“Working with young people, alongside our partner agencies, is a key part of that to ensure they feel part of the community and can become involved in worthwhile activities. Much credit should be given to members of the community who have been keen to work closely with us and strengthen relationships.

“No one wants a return to the disorder we experienced last August.”