Residents living in a neighbourhood on the Isle of Wight are recognising the hard work and commitment of their Police Community Support Officer.

PCSO Tracy Hinde from the Newport North Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) was presented with an ‘Endeavour’ award during this year’s Pan Neighbourhood Partnership community awards evening.

PCSO Hinde’s regular beat is the Pan area where he works closely with the national award-winning Pan Neighbourhood Partnership on a range of projects to prevent crime and improve the quality of life for residents. The amount of recorded crime in Pan between the start of April and the end of October this year has fallen by 81 offences compared to the same period in 2008.

Initiatives this year have focused on helping children and teenagers avoid the risks of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, and reinforcing crime prevention advice and technology for residents.

PCSO Hinde and colleague PC Keith Haywood visited households with Pan neighbourhood wardens to distribute packs of SmartWater, which is a liquid that can be used to mark property. Each batch has a unique ‘DNA-type’ forensic code, tying its use to a specific location or item of property. This technology is designed as a deterrent to potential thieves. SmartWater warning signs were installed in the community in February as part of a project led by the Pan Neighbourhood Partnership, Newport North SNT and the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP). The liquid is an extra method for detecting stolen items and linking them to criminals. SmartWater shows up as a yellow and green substance under ultra-violet (UV) lights.

Tracy maintains an active presence in the neighbourhood through regular foot and cycle patrols that target areas and issues highlighted by residents. The Newport North team holds beat surgeries at the Isobel Centre in Pan on the first Wednesday morning of every month, and Tracy works alongside colleagues from partner agencies, including neighbourhood wardens, housing association staff, youth workers and Isle of Wight Council’s Play Rangers.

PCSO Hinde makes frequent visits to local schools and the Pan Youth Club where he spends time with children and teenagers, giving them advice on personal safety, responsible behaviour, respect for the community, and the skills required for potential careers in the police.

Tracy is an integral part of Pan Neighbourhood Partnership’s Junior Wardens scheme, which provides constructive activities for young people in the community, raising their aspirations and tackling community problems. The official launch of the Junior Wardens scheme was a four-day course provided by the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. The L.I.F.E project is part of a national programme to teach young people about fire safety. PCSO Hinde shed his usual uniform to join ten pupils in full fire fighting attire to feel the heat of intensive Fire and Rescue training. They proved their prowess for putting out flames, and built greater confidence by working as a team.

Children from Pan had an opportunity to gain a greater understanding and respect for the environment where they live. PCSO Hinde, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and staff from the Medina Valley Centre took part in the ‘Source to the Sea’ project, which saw the Pan junior wardens sail along the River Medina to learn about its natural habitats.

Pan Neighbourhood Partnership Deputy Manager Cheryl Snudden said: 

“The amount of comments we’ve had from residents meant Tracy thoroughly deserved an award from us this year. Tracy treats people with the same professionalism and respect no matter who they are or where they’re from. He strikes the balance between being approachable and setting boundaries for those who step out of line. Tracy’s enthusiasm shines through in all he does.”

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Alan Jameson of Staplers Court, Pan said: 

“The force of Tracy’s personality means he can talk with anybody, and has gained the respect of all ages in the community. Tracy is always reminding us to phone in any problems on 101, and lets us know what the police are doing. I was concerned about street drinking near where I live, but there has not been the slightest bit of trouble for the past year. Residents hold Tracy in the highest esteem.”

PCSO Tracy Hinde said: 

“I’m honoured and humbled to receive this recognition from the community. It’s important to emphasise the team work with residents that makes the difference. I’m passionate about the people who live on my beat, and I’d like to thank all those I work with regularly for supporting a combined effort, which is changing the perceptions of the Pan neighbourhood for the better. I always try to have a positive and compassionate attitude, which was instilled in me by my first Sergeant, the late Penny Deacon, whose leadership I still hold close to my heart.

Tracy added:

“My intention now is to further develop and cement working relations with residents, particularly families and children. The police remain committed to keeping a cap on anti-social behaviour, and working more closely with partner agencies to maintain a reassuring police presence so residents can feel confident when reporting issues to us.”