Out to cause harm? Watch out...
By Portsmouth District Commander and Superintendent CLARE JENKINS
I’D LIKE to use this month’s column as an opportunity to introduce you to our High Harm Team which works proactively to tackle some of the most serious crime that causes the most harm to our communities.
Portsmouth is a fantastic, vibrant and safe city, however we know we have certain perpetrators of harmful activity. Our High Harm team is brilliant at disrupting this, bringing those involved to justice and safeguarding victims.
The team, led by Inspector Scott Johnson, has an excellent knowledge and understanding of crime trends in the city, with many years of frontline operational experience between its members.
A key focus is drug-related harm and the serious violence that can come with it, including targeting County Lines drug dealers who come in and out of the city with the aim of selling drugs.
We know drug dealing and violence are inextricably linked and that is why tackling the supply of drugs is a crucial part of our work to reduce violent crime. Through close partnership working we also support those exploited by people supplying drugs.
While the harm caused to our communities by drugs is a large part of the team’s day job, it also works with partners and services to manage high harm perpetrators of domestic abuse.
It also supports other teams and agencies in tackling hidden harm within Portsmouth, including operations on Modern Day Slavery, adult sex workers and children at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation.
We can’t do this alone however and information provided to us by the public continues to be invaluable. We encourage residents to continue getting in touch about issues in your area so we can build a stronger picture of what is taking place – it is always much appreciated. You can do this by phoning 101 or by visiting our website.
Finally, it’s lovely to see Victorious Festival returning to the city at the end of this month.
If you’re going have a fantastic time, be safe and give our officers a wave if you see them!