Constabulary to have range of exciting attractions at Royal Norfolk Show 2017

A Royal Norfolk Show sign from 2016. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Several police units will take part this year including members of the new ‘Citizens in Policing’ department, which has been set up to build stronger links with local communities. The command is headed up by Superintendent Dave Buckley and supported by seven Engagement Officers. Their role is to support existing community relationships by growing new local activities and providing enhanced visibility in every district through the use of social media, Police Connect and frequent face-to-face meetings.

Superintendent Buckley said: “We have a strong and proud history of volunteers working at the heart of this organisation and this unit will ensure that this remains the case. Our aim is to further grow the number of volunteers working with us, as well as support and develop existing Special Constables, Police Cadets and Police Support Volunteers.”

The Special Constabulary will also be in attendance this year to promote the variety of work officers do including roads policing and tackling rural crime. Recruitment lines are now open and members of the Constabulary will be on hand to give advice about their work.

Specials Manager, Sue Goode, said: “We are always on the look-out for committed individuals who are keen to experience the world of policing while supporting their local community. Norfolk currently has 222 volunteer officers who gave more than 76,000 hours of work in 2016 including carrying out 459 arrests, 120 licensing checks and 185 drug seizures.

“If you are interested in a role as a Special Constable please come and speak with us at the show or have a look on our website for more information.”

Making its first appearance at the Royal Norfolk Show will be the Operation Randall tractor. The working tractor is being loaned to Norfolk Constabulary by a local farmer to help officers engage with rural communities and businesses. The vehicle displays the Op Randall logo - the force’s ongoing campaign to tackle rural crime – and when not working on the farm, it will be taken to various events across the county by two special constables who are licensed tractor drivers in the farming community.

Also returning to the Norfolk Show this year, with a new attraction, will be officers from the Roads Policing and Firearms Operations Unit.

Making its debut at the show will be the team’s Porsche Cayman GT4 – which has been donated to the Constabulary by the Lind Trust, a charity which supports the development of young people in Norwich and Norfolk.

The Porsche, complete with police livery and interior blue lights, is used at events to break down barriers with drivers, especially young drivers, and help officers deliver life-saving road safety advice.

Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Norfolk Show this year and I expect the Porsche will attract a lot of attention, but that’s the whole idea. It acts as a conversation starter, giving officers the chance to talk about road safety, their role, and what happens when things go wrong.”

Virtual reality goggles will also being trialled as part of Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lorne Green’s #Impact campaign aimed at educating young people about road safety. More than a dozen of the Samsung Gear VR goggles are being introduced in partnership with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

PCC Lorne Green said: “I take very seriously the commitment I have made to do all I can to prevent young people from being seriously injured or killed on our roads.

“It is crucial we come up with innovative ways in which to engage with young people. While a difficult watch, we hope the trial of the goggles and accompanying film will help young drivers think twice about driving inappropriately when they get behind the wheel.”