Welsh government funding over four years has enabled Gwent Police to employ more than 140 extra community support officers.
Our first CSO’s recruited under the new scheme were deployed to our communities a few days before Christmas 2011. Community Support Officer Jo Powell has just finished her first six months in Abergavenny Neighbourhood Policing Team working as the ward officer for Llanfoist and Llanwenarth Ultra wards. We chat to Jo about how’s she’s finding her new role;
CSO Jo Powell with local Llanfoist resident Bonnie Russell.
So Jo, how are you enjoying your job?
I’m loving it! I enjoy going to meet the residents of my wards and taking the time to go to their local groups and coffee mornings to understand what the real issues in local areas are. I also like working in the town where the issues are different but just as important. My ward areas are miles apart so I’m getting fit walking everywhere! I’ve also passed my cycle proficiency test so can ride my bike around the villages.
What are the main issues you’re dealing with at the moment?
In the town area, parking has been and remains to be a problem. On a daily basis, people park in bus stops, on pavements and even block the entrance to Nevill Hall Hospital which is obviously dangerous for emergency vehicles. We patrol the town and talk to motorists to explain the importance of parking safely and legally. Signs are up to ward drivers and I have given out over 100 fixed penalty fines in Abergavenny as a whole since I started in this role. Obviously it’s never nice giving a fine out to a driver but if people continue to break the law, sometimes it’s necessary. I’d like motorists to think about the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles on the road before parking illegally.
What’s been the highlight of your job so far?
I was on patrol with an officer and spotted a prolific Abergavenny criminal who was wanted for a burglary. We managed to catch the offender and it’s a nice feeling to think I’m making a difference in the Town.
Any downsides?
Not really, my first day was working on the Friday night before Christmas which was very busy! Lots of people were out drinking in the Town. Let’s just say that was a steep learning curve! Every day I’m learning something new and every day brings a new challenge but it’s the most interesting job I’ve ever done.
What are your plans for the future?
I am happy in my role as a CSO for Abergavenny. My aspiration is to get better at my job day by day and improve my knowledge of Abergavenny and the local problems the town faces. I’m going to take part in the Llanfoist ‘Tumble Up 4 Life’ cycle event next year for Cancer Research. I think it’s important to support local events.
If you would like to hear more about the work of Jo and other Abergavenny Officers, visit the Gwent Police website www.gwent.police.uk and click on the Monmouthshire web page. You can also follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/gwentpolice or facebook www.facebook.com/gwentpolice
