Chief constable sets out priorities in first police 'roadshow'

Noise pollution, proactivity across the force and illegal parking among concerns raised by residents

The first of a string of 'police roadshows' got underway at a public gathering last night which saw a scattering of residents voice concerns and make suggestions to the way laws are enforced.

The chief constable set out his key priorities and cultural changes he intends to make across the force, which focused heavily on being victim-focused, visible and approachable within the community.

Chief Constable Russ Foster made it clear from the outset that he wants the Isle of Man to remain the safest place in the British Isles.

To do that, he's put together five main points which ensure police officers are victim focused, problem solvers, responsive, intelligence driven and have an investigative mindset.

Given working with the community appears to play a vital role in how the service operates, Mr Foster was asked if the stories we hear of wrongdoing from police officers in the UK and further afield could affect confidence in his force.

One of the places available to those who don't feel comfortable contacting the police direct is Crimestoppers - a charity that provides a way to report crime anonymously.

From the beginning of 2023 up until August, the service has been contacted 348 times.

It's estimated as many as 20 percent of crimes that are witnessed go unreported.

Karen Ramsey and Phil O'Shea are volunteers:

With this figure being higher than usual in mind, is this because there's more crime, or because more people are feeling confident enough to report it?

Residents who turned up to listen and make suggestions laid out a wide variation of issues, ranging from uncontrolled crossings and illegal parking, all the way to an emotional complaint of poor service, for which the chief constable did issue an apology.

Despite the Department of Justice and Home Affairs being responsible for the legislation that police work to, there is a cross-over to other departments which requires a collaborative effort to tackle.

But when other ministers have their own priorities, does the Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson feel it's ever an uphill battle to get other politicians on board to help achieve her goals?

The next police roadshow is scheduled in Peel on 9 November at Queen Elizabeth II High School, from 6pm - 8pm.