Out on patrol with Trowbridge Police

A night in the life of a Trowbridge police officer.

On Friday 28th May, I was invited to join officers from the Trowbridge policing team on a night shift.

It's thought the break up of schools for the half term, and the start of a bank holiday weekend would lead to a busy shift. Even though it wasn't as manic as officers had feared, it was a fairly eventful night.

My first trip out was with PCSO Chris McLoughlin and PCSO Peter Tscherniawsky. We walked through Trowbridge Park and into the town centre, primarily looking out for underage drinkers. The streets of Trowbridge are an alcohol free zone, so anyone caught drinking in public areas will have their drinks confiscated, and this is what happened to three people within the space of an hour or so. The PCSOs didn't meet much resistance, most understood they were just doing their job.

Hear my interview with PCSO McLoughlin

Next up I went out with Sergeant Malcolm McLundie and PC Ollie Rudland. We based ourselves in the centre of town, and visited a number of bars and clubs to carry out ID checks. We were then called to the Green Lane area on the outskirts of the town, where a PCSO had called for assistance. They were chasing down a group of youths who they believed were responsible for smashing the window of their police car. One person was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

Sgt Malcolm McLundie on tackling ASB

Just a couple of days before my trip out with police, the town's officers picked up the President’s accolade for excellent community service at the Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce awards.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by the work being delivered by the Police Community Support Officers in engaging with local young people and diverting them away from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and crime.

The officers admit there's more hard work to come, but tackling disruptive behaviour out in the communities of Trowbridge is one of their top priorities.