A POLICE inspector says his main aim is to instil confidence in rural residents as he settles into his new role.
Keith Curbishley, who has 25 years policing experience in several frontline roles, took over as inspector of Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) toward the end of last year.
He replaced Phil Hodgson, who spent nearly seven years in the role, to head up the largest NPU in Cheshire, which includes a team of 40 staff based at Frodsham, Dragon Hall and Mickle Trafford police stations.
But with a wealth of knowledge gained from a range of duties, including overseeing the management of detainees in custody suites, Insp Curbishley is far from daunted by his new role.
Insp Curbishley, who lives with his family in Hartford, said: “I welcomed the opportunity to become part of – and indeed head up – such an effective and successfully established neighbourhood team.
“I want to continue to build on the success of the unit, particularly in relation to reducing anti-social behaviour and violent crime.
“My main objective is to make sure the residents within the towns and villages that make up Western Rural have confidence in their local policing service.
“I am keen to hear from local residents and business owners about their concerns and what is important to them.”
He added: “I am a firm believer that a policing service cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach – we have a wide range of differing communities and demand upon policing resources across Cheshire and what I am keen to do is ensure that residents of Western Rural have their priorities acknowledged and are reassured by a professional and effective policing service that we aim to deliver.
“My team is made up of over 40 members of staff, from various backgrounds who bring a wealth of policing experience and knowledge to the team.”
