KESGRAVE: After more than three years of tackling crime and leading his team a top Kesgrave policeman is leaving the town to embark on a new challenge.
KESGRAVE: After more than three years of tackling crime and leading his team a top Kesgrave policeman is leaving the town to embark on a new challenge.
Sergeant Mick Richardson hands over the reins of the Kesgrave and District Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) today before he takes up his new role as secretary of the Suffolk Police Federation next week.
In his time at the helm, Sgt Richardson has seen his team smash constabulary targets to reduce crime, drastically cut anti-social behaviour in the area and develop lasting relationships with partner organisations, including schools, parish councils and churches.
“I am really excited and looking forward to the new challenge ahead of me, a new role with different responsibilities,” he said.
“But at the same time I came in today still eager to be here even if it is my last day. I will very much miss the whole team.
“It is a first class bunch of people. I will miss them all.”
Sgt Richardson said his biggest achievement during his three-and-a-half year tenure in Kesgrave was encouraging partner organisations and groups to help in decision making processes and priority setting.
He added: “Anti-social behaviour has been another achievement. When I started here in 2006 there was a huge problem with anti-social behaviour.
“There was not much for youths to do. It resulted in a lot of noise and litter left around.
“We engaged with youngsters in the area visiting Kesgrave High School, taking assemblies with the kids and I think it has made a huge impact to the community.”
Under Sgt Richardson's guidance the team has been tough on crime and in its first year reduced levels in the area by 28 per cent - far exceeding the targets set by Suffolk Constabulary.
Sgt Richardson added: “Whoever takes over from me will have a great place and team to start with and with a fresh pair of eyes and thoughts running things can only get better.”
Send your good luck message to Sgt Richardson - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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