Volunteers first to gain special ‘police’ powers

Two volunteer housing inspectors have become the first in the country to receive special powers to improve community safety.

The move by Hertfordshire Constabulary forms part of the national Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, established in Hertfordshire in 2006 to promote partnership working between local police and organisations involved in community safety and crime reduction.

The resident inspectors work for Stevenage Homes, the 14th organisation to be accredited by Hertfordshire Constabulary and the first volunteers in the country to be so accredited.

Bill Whelan and Michael Hearn patrol the residential estates in Stevenage to ensure the services of Stevenage Homes are being implemented. They patrol the housing area, inspect void spaces, conduct caretaking duties and grounds maintenance. They also deal with abandoned vehicles, graffiti and litter problems. They work closely with Stevenage Borough Council and the Federation of Stevenage Tenants & Associations (FoSTA) to improve conditions for Stevenage residents and work closely with the Stevenage Police Community Safety Partnership.

The volunteer resident inspectors have been given the power to demand the name and address of anyone they suspect is engaged in anti-social behaviour. They can also carry out checks with the Police National Computer (PNC) through Hertfordshire Police.

Mr Whelan and Mr Hearn were presented with certificates, identity cards, and cards displaying their accredited status and information about the powers they have by Chief Inspector Richard Liversidge at a ceremony at Stevenage police station. Before being awarded their new powers, the pair were vetted and will soon receive further training.

Chief Insp Liversidge said: “People have a right to feel safe and should feel safe in Stevenage. We are continuously working with our partners, such as Stevenage Homes, to further reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Working with communities is key to building good relationships and I am sure Bill and Michael will play a vital role in the work being undertaken by policing teams and other organisations on a daily basis. We are grateful for all the support Stevenage Homes offer us.”

Speaking on behalf of Stevenage Homes and FoSTA, Debbie Rabôt, director of housing and customer services, said: “These accreditations will help to deliver our commitment to working with the community safety partnership in Stevenage and ensuring that the estates in which our customers stay safe.”