Port of Liverpool Police Officers drive reduction in crime and accidents
For Immediate Release - 30 November, 2009
The Port of Liverpool Police force, the newest in the UK, has reported a significant reduction in crime incidents and accidents within the 70 square mile area it covers.
Chief Officer Peter Clarke, who took up post in April 2009, says working closely with internal stakeholders, modernisation of the force and investment in technical solutions have been the key factors behind improved detection rates.
Since Mr Clarke was appointed there has been an increase in performance which includes a 66% reduction in road traffic collisions while overall crime detection rate stands at 70% in crimes reported.
A £12,000 investment in a new force alarm system targeting police operations at hotspots, supported by enhanced CCTV, has helped the force in improving its performance.
Mr Clarke said: "I'm delighted to take up my new position. It is an honour to lead the force and continue our commitment to making the Port of Liverpool the safest possible environment for tenants, staff, passing traffic and visitors. I have the support of a strong and experienced team and have been hugely impressed by the commitment and dedication of the 34 serving police officers since my appointment.
"Recent investment and enhanced technical solutions have allowed us to modernise our approach to policing and make a significant improvement in detecting crimes reported and reducing accidents which allows everyone at the port to benefit from a force which will respond to their needs and deal with them immediately and effectively."
The Port of Liverpool Police came into force on 19 June 1975, following its creation by The Mersey Docks and Harbour Police Order. Although it is the newest Force in the United Kingdom, its origins can be traced back nearly 200 years.
The Force has jurisdiction over an area of some 70 square miles on both sides of the Mersey – in practice its activities are confined to the Liverpool, Bootle and Birkenhead Dock Estates and one mile outside those limits.
Officers are sworn in as Constables, they derive their authority from the Crown in the same manner as any other police officer. The Port of Liverpool Police has full police powers, but under The Mersey Docks and Harbour (Police) Order 1975, the Port Police have some additional powers.
Gary Hodgson, Managing Director of The Port of Liverpool, said: "We welcome Peter's appointment as Chief Officer; he brings with him extensive policing and management experience.
"Safety and security at the Port always will be an absolute priority and we will continue to work on improving our performance in these areas under Peter's leadership."
The Port of Liverpool is one of the busiest ports in the UK. It is a gateway to trade from North America and more than 100 other non-EU destinations.
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