Neighbourhood policing chief takes up new role

THE head of neighbourhood policing in south Somerset is to take up a new role in the district.

Jackie Gold is taking up a post in response policing after eight years with the area's neighbourhood team – the last three as an Inspector.

She said: "I like to think that, since 2004, I have been able in some ways to steer how we police our area.

"For example, the changes to how we police and engage in our night-time economy, major changes to how police and partners work towards tackling anti-social behaviour, and the real development of volunteers working alongside us.

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"I must not forget also that I have been south Somerset lead for the Special Constabulary and my regard and admiration for the work they do could not be greater.

"I dipped my toe into international policing in 2011 and have since been looking at how I might be able to share my years of policing experience with other countries, so this is a possible future prospect for me but there is nothing concrete at this time."

Since Mrs Gold started her career policing in Yeovil 22 years ago she has been commended four times and received two outstanding achievement awards for her police work.

She was also awarded the 2008 Community Safety Outstanding Achievement Award from the Yeovil Business Crime Reduction Partnership.

She was commended for her bravery a year later when she rescued a suicidal woman who was threatening to jump from a bridge.

Mrs Gold paid tribute to her colleagues as she prepares to hand over the reigns to Inspector Tim Coombe who is returning to Yeovil after working in Weston-super-Mare.

She said she will not be disappearing from the area, but will take a "less prominent" position as she returns to 24/7 policing.

She added: "One of the major factors that has always driven me within the police service are the colleagues I have the privilege to work with day in, day out. These are extraordinary people who often, in the face of hostility, conflict, tragedy and situations where they are criticised, are unrelenting in their focus to carry on with their work, do their very best to ensure they provide the best service possible and then do these things with enthusiasm and passion.

"I am a member of the community, having lived, worked and policed south Somerset for most of my adult life.

"We live in a lovely part of the country, our communities are a pleasure to police and I look forward to continuing to police our area in order to keep us as safe as possible.

"For me personally, I will now develop my own skills into a new role with the benefit of still being able to police south Somerset, the area I have come to know so well.

"Policing has changed so much during my service, we have a far greater relationship with our communities than we ever had before, and for me, this is absolutely key.

"Without our communities' support, we would not deliver the quality policing we deliver in south Somerset."