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Police forge new links with travellers
7:01pm Thursday 10th January 2008
By David Paine »
WEST Mercia Constabulary has appointed a new advisor in a bid to forge closer links with the travelling communities.
Sergeant Allie Webster has become the force's new gipsy and traveller diversity advisor. His work will focus on developing meaningful working relationships between those communities living in and passing through the force area and partner agencies such as local authorities, education services, and housing associations.
By working closely together, the police hope to give gipsies and travellers a voice in the community and learn more about their needs and concerns.
Sgt Webster said: "I am very excited about my new role and I am keen to make a positive and lasting difference, built on trust and respect, with the gipsy and traveller communities and our partner agencies.
"Historically on a national scale the relationship between police forces and the gipsy and traveller communities has not been an easy one, but many police forces are helping to break down the barriers between these communities and the police, by appointing people to carry out a role similar to mine.
"We want to positively address gipsy and traveller issues and are eager to improve relations with everyone in these communities."
Sgt Webster has been a police officer for more than 18 years and has worked for three police services in a wide variety of roles. He transferred to West Mercia Constabulary four years ago and became the manager of the diversity training team.
His reputation and relationship with the gipsy and traveller communities was recognised in May 2006 when he was asked to speak at the national Pride Not Prejudice conference - a meeting aimed at improving links and relations between gipsies, travellers and public service partners.
As a result, the force hopes his experience in diversity issues will help to ensure gipsy and traveller communities receive a positive, fair and consistent service from the police. He will also be on hand to help front-line police officers and police staff who may need help or guidance when responding to a gipsy and traveller related query.
To contact Sgt Allie Webster for information and advice call 01905 747077.
Your Say Your Worcester
Mark, Worcester says...
7:08pm Thu 10 Jan 08
Alan2, Worcester says...
7:43pm Thu 10 Jan 08
Police are not paid to be social workers - they get dafter by the day.
Alan2, Worcester says...
7:43pm Thu 10 Jan 08
Police are not paid to be social workers - they get dafter by the day.
Turkey Neck, Wuster says...
10:21pm Thu 10 Jan 08
Where can i get a refund?
Turkey Neck, Wuster says...
10:21pm Thu 10 Jan 08
Where can i get a refund?
Sir Smeg, Worcester says...
11:45pm Thu 10 Jan 08
They are most civilised peoples idea of a nightmare when they move into an area en masse.
As other letters have said, why do they deserve a say in any community, when they contribute nothing and take all?
I will end there as I may be in breach of this websites regulations if I continue to vent my frustration any longer.
Sir Smeg, Worcester says...
11:45pm Thu 10 Jan 08
They are most civilised peoples idea of a nightmare when they move into an area en masse.
As other letters have said, why do they deserve a say in any community, when they contribute nothing and take all?
I will end there as I may be in breach of this websites regulations if I continue to vent my frustration any longer.
Disbelief, Worcester says...
7:57am Fri 11 Jan 08
Disbelief, Worcester says...
7:57am Fri 11 Jan 08
ken18, worcester says...
9:24am Fri 11 Jan 08
Disbelief wrote:Not so - these people can consistently break through gates and fences to park up for a few days and whether on private or council land, can get away with being moved on. The council then send in their workers to clean up after them.Its too much trouble for the police to prosecute them as they have no fixed abode but are the vehicles checked for tax, insurance,driving licence and current mot -doubtful but you get caught without any of those and see what happens!let off -I don`t think so.They contribute nothing so that is what they should get in return.We are forever being told that the police can`t attend incidents due to manpower shortage and now we know why -let this officer concentrate on the local thieves and troublemakers as its the taxpayer who pays the wages.
I think the gypsies already have a relationship with the police, most of them have met the custody sergeant..........!!
ken18, worcester says...
9:24am Fri 11 Jan 08
Disbelief wrote:Not so - these people can consistently break through gates and fences to park up for a few days and whether on private or council land, can get away with being moved on. The council then send in their workers to clean up after them.Its too much trouble for the police to prosecute them as they have no fixed abode but are the vehicles checked for tax, insurance,driving licence and current mot -doubtful but you get caught without any of those and see what happens!let off -I don`t think so.They contribute nothing so that is what they should get in return.We are forever being told that the police can`t attend incidents due to manpower shortage and now we know why -let this officer concentrate on the local thieves and troublemakers as its the taxpayer who pays the wages.
I think the gypsies already have a relationship with the police, most of them have met the custody sergeant..........!!
Peter D, Worcester says...
9:51am Fri 11 Jan 08
Peter D, Worcester says...
9:51am Fri 11 Jan 08
sunset-worcester, Worcester says...
1:25pm Fri 11 Jan 08
sunset-worcester, Worcester says...
1:25pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Digital Editor, Worcester says...
5:30pm Fri 11 Jan 08
May I also remind readers that comments left on this section are the opinions of the author only and in no way reflect the opinions of anyone at the Worcester News or its parent company.
Digital Editor, Worcester says...
5:30pm Fri 11 Jan 08
May I also remind readers that comments left on this section are the opinions of the author only and in no way reflect the opinions of anyone at the Worcester News or its parent company.
Mark, Worcester says...
5:48pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Mark, Worcester says...
5:48pm Fri 11 Jan 08
Your sayYour Worcester
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APPOINTMENT: Sgt Allie Webster
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Mark, Worcester says...
7:08pm Thu 10 Jan 08