Staffordshire have implemented a new response model in a bid to strengthen the force’s focus on local policing.

The model will see response officers operate from 10 local areas alongside neighbourhood officers and PCSOs. Previously they had operated from only three areas. 

The move was announced last February and aims at enabling officers to respond quicker to emergencies, develop local knowledge and have more time to investigate crime. 

In addition, bespoke harm reduction hubs will operate from every local policing area and there has been more investment in specialist crime teams and in recruiting more staff for the Force Contact and Control Centre. 

Earlier this year, the HMIC found serious concerns over call handling and crime investigations. CC Chris Noble had said they were planning a return to a local policing model which has been driven by the Uplift recruitment. 

Seven areas were identified as being monitored moving forward including call handlers using and recording the initial triage and risk assessments and as well as making sure vulnerable and repeat callers are routinely identified. 

CC Noble, said: “I’m pleased we are now on day one of the new model. It’s been months of planning, analysis and consultation with colleagues and partners to build a model that will allow us to respond in the way the public want and need us to, also giving us more time to focus on the issues that matter most to local communities. The model has also received the backing of the Police and Crime Commissioner, who believes it will help deliver some of the commitments made in the county’s Police and Crime Plan.

“It is critical we are more closely embedded in, and visible to, local communities so we can work most effectively with the public and partners to solve issues and prevent crime and I am confident this approach to policing enables greater ability to deliver against these aims.”