Community police model reaping reward two years on

It’s two years since Suffolk Constabulary introduced a new policing model geared at prioritising public engagement and giving the local community what they need from their police service.

The changes,  introduced in December 2023, were made in response to the rising and changing demands to the service and ensure the Constabulary continues to provide the best possible policing service, taking account of the views of the public and workforce.

Since the model was launched in December 2023, continued investment in technology and evidence based approaches means the force has seen a 49% drop anti-social demand.

Bury St Edmunds - police are working with Shop Safe and Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID) to tackle Retail crime and anti-social behaviour 

This is comparing the 12 months to October 2025 with the period from December 2022 to early December 2023 (the date prior to the new operating model being launched).

Additionally, comparing the same period, calls in the Contact and Control Room have seen an 8% increase in the percentage of incidents (B2*) that need to be attended within a one-hour target time.

PC Abbie Middleditch with a resident in Wickham Market discusssing local issues and offering advice and reassurance.

Since its inception the new model has facilitated more public engagements to take place in our local communities.  The increased engagement also allows the force to identify the crime and anti-social behaviour issues that the public want tackled and to target problem solving with partners.

Practical examples include police officers holding a surgery in community premises and ‘street meets’ in public places. Other examples include conducting coordinated operations with agency partners to solve local issues.

The Community Policing Teams deliver neighbourhood policing using effective partnership working to reduce crime and ASB. The 50 Community Policing Areas demonstrate the county’s commitment to have named officers for each community area, while the Response Investigation Teams, provide the initial response to all emergency incidents and follow up investigation to crimes such as violence in public spaces, criminal damage, drug related offences and missing people.

Sudbury – with Tesco staff support their ‘Freedom From Fear’ against violence, threats, and abuse toward store staff

ACC Alice Scott said: “It’s been really satisfying to see how our model is now firmly embedded into the Suffolk community and has strengthened the way our officers engage with local people, respond to emergencies and investigate crime.

“We had a really productive summer tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. We intend to continue this during the winter working closely with residents and partners to tackle issues, maintain visible patrols. We will maintain public confidence using enforcement and prevention to address persistent issues such as violence against women and girls, retail theft and alcohol related disorder.

Hadleigh East Babergh - Special Constable Derrett and a colleague with the Hadleigh Men's Group. 

“The response from community leaders and residents remains positive, encouraging and constructive. I know our community officers, PCSOs and voluntary teams are also continuing to appreciate being more visible and proactive where we need to be.

“Please don’t just take my word for it though, if you look on our local social media feeds for our local areas, you can see for yourselves the positive impact the policing model has had, demonstrating how effectively our officers are embedded in their communities and how they are working closely with residents and partners.”

“The latest recorded crime figures continue to show Suffolk is one of safest places in the country with the third lowest recorded crime figures for the fifth consecutive quarter. We continue to strive to deliver a service that is accessible, consistent and responsive with officers and staff showing compassion, professionalism, courage and a strong sense of community with everything they do.

Forest Heath - PC Wappett-Griggs and PCSO Rogers during an engagement visit to Moulton Pre-School

“We constantly review all crime being reported to us to ensure we deploy our resources effectively based on threat, harm, risk and the investigative opportunities presented to us and we will always endeavour to respond effectively, prioritising crime in progress or danger to people.

“It is a collective team effort from all areas of the force and all our officers work tirelessly around the clock, including our officers who are part of the Response Investigation Teams, to keep people safe and investigate crime and the support and assistance we receive from the public is absolutely key. We are committed to preventing crime in partnership with our local authorities, community organisations, businesses and the voluntary sector to solve problems together.”

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central said: “As the business improvement district for Ipswich, ensuring that people working in the town, visitors and residents all feel safe is vital.

"The new policing model with more patrols, dedicated town centre officers and enhanced community focus is working extremely well for the benefit of Ipswich town centre.

“Officers often work alongside our own Street Security team operated by My Local Bobby and this joined up approach is proving highly effective."

Stowmarket Police Cadets at town’s Remembrance Parade

Angela Grey, Business Improvement District Manager for Lowestoft said: “The introduction of the new policing model has led to a noticeably increased police presence in Lowestoft town centre, helping to create a safer and more reassuring environment for visitors. Our local policing team works closely with the BID, including our dedicated PCSO who is part-funded by Lowestoft Vision. A safe and secure town centre is vital for our local businesses and plays a key role in encouraging more people to visit and spend time here.”

Mark Cordell, Chief Executive Officer of Bury St Edmunds BID said: “Since the introduction of the new policing model, two years ago, I have seen a huge improvement in Bury St Edmunds town centre with both ASB and retail crime being addressed much better than was previously the case.

“Having nominated and identifiable police officers allocated to our patch has greatly improved communications, exchange of information and intelligence, which has led to tangible benefits from our positive and proactive partnership working and long may this continue!”

During December and January, the force will be visibly supporting local communities across Suffolk over the festive season with the expected increase in retail activity, festive events, increased socialising in bars, clubs and restaurants, and general safety on our roads and in the night-time economy.  

Ipswich – Local police holding regular drop-in sessions at the Unity Community Hub.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore said:  "The policing model introduced back in 2023 has been a great success.  I am really pleased with the results, and the feedback I have received from the public is very positive.

 "The increase in numbers of community policing officers seems to be particularly welcomed in the more remote rural areas which I wholeheartedly welcome, and it's great to see the increased multi-agency focus on crime prevention through the partnership hub developing so well.

 "This all helps to maintain Suffolk's enviable position as one of the safest counties in which to live, work, travel and invest and long may that continue."

*B2 calls - categorised as an urgent/priority incident, with a target response time of up to 60 minutes from the time the call is received. Typically for situations where there is a degree of urgency, but no immediate threat to life or property. 

Halesworth – Patrols in Peasenhall as part of Safer Business Week Survey

Lowestoft – Working with the British Horse Society yesterday on Close Pass addressing driver behaviour when passing either too fast or too close to horses.

Haverhill – on foot patrol with partners Havebury Housing doing estate inspections & issues have been reported to relevant agencies.