EVER wondered how good Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner is at table tennis?
As children and young people from Camberley found out this week, the answer is: surprisingly good.
And members of the Club Dean youth centre also discovered that Surrey Heath Borough Commander Ryan Scott is unbeatable at table football, while the Force’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer plays a sharp game of pool.
Lisa Townsend joined officers and staff after their working day had ended to celebrate national Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action.
The event shines a spotlight on the vital work of neighbourhood officers, PCSOs and volunteers to protect the public and keep people safe.
Club visit
Surrey Heath councillors Shaun Garrett and Trefor Hogg, who have been instrumental to the club’s success, also attended on the night to welcome the team.
It comes as Lisa commits just over £31,000 to fund a youth worker at Club Dean. The post aims to promote community safety and provide opportunities to young people on the estate.
Ahead of the visit, Lisa answered questions on crime and policing from 50 students at Collingwood College before joining officers and PCSOs from the Surrey Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team on a patrol of the Old Dean estate.
The Commissioner has a dedicated funding stream for opportunities that support children and young people and divert them away from crime.
“No child should be afraid”
She said: “We want every child and young person in Surrey to have the tools they need for healthy, safe, happy lives.
“As part of that, no child should ever be afraid to speak to police or view officers as the enemy.
“That’s why I’m so grateful the team at Surrey Heath have taken the time to join me at Club Dean after their working day has ended to play games with the young people here.
“It was lovely to see young members welcome officers with some fantastic questions and some fist bumps too.
Breaking down barriers
“I’m also delighted that our Chief Constable, who used to volunteer at a boxing club on the Old Dean estate, has been able to join in.
“He’s proven to be a wonderful pool player, although I did spot him secretly potting a red for his young opponent while she wasn’t looking.
“Meeting children in a setting like this breaks down barriers and build relationships.
“But they aren’t the only people to benefit from the team’s visit today.
Officers’ impact
“Some adults who are struggling with homelessness have been spoken to by the officers and PCSOs, along with the fantastic team at the Hope Hub – a charity I support through funding that aims to relieve poverty across the borough.
“That’s why the Force’s role in Surrey’s neighbourhoods is so crucial. Our officers can impact lives for years to come.
“It also makes me so proud that I can support organisations like Club Dean and the Hope Hub. Their work has the power to make real, lasting change.”