Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have Safer Neighbourhood Teams been created?
The Government promised all local communities would have a local Safer Neighbourhood Team by 2008. These teams will address issues affecting quality of life and feelings of safety.

How big an area do the teams cover?
In urban areas, a neighbourhood may be a small area of a town. In rural areas, a neighbourhood may cover a number of parishes. Each team website tells you which wards the team covers.

Who is part of a Safer Neighbourhood Team?
Safer Neighbourhood Teams are staffed largely by sergeants, constables, police community support officers, specials and volunteers.

They will be working with other members of the Safer Neighbourhood Teams such as youth workers, housing associations and anti-social behaviour co-ordinators to identify and tackle problems which have been raised by the local community.

What is a police community support officer?  
Police community support officers have some police powers, which are mainly focused on promoting community safety and stopping anti-social behaviour. They are not police officers but will deal with ‘low-level’ crime and anti-social behaviour.

Will the police continue to provide emergency and 24-hour response?
Yes, emergency and 24-hour response remains a priority for Suffolk Constabulary. This will be provided by the Neighbourhood Response Teams as well as the officers in the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

How can I get involved?
It is vital people work with their local Safer Neighbourhood Team to improve the quality of life in their area.  Depending on where you live, you could:

  • Become a volunteer
  • Attend your local Safer Neighbourhood Team meetings
  • Tell your Safer Neighbourhood Team what your concerns are and
  • Join or set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area


Contacts
To contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team

Website: www.safersuffolk.org.uk

Phone:
Waveney District Council area – 01986 835300
Suffolk Coastal District Council area – 01473 613500
Ipswich Borough Council area – 01473 613500
Babergh District Council area – 01473 613500
Mid Suffolk District Council area – 01284 774100
St Edmundsbury Borough Council area – 01284 774100
Forest Heath District Council area - 01284 774100