‘This is a time to be proud of our local area’
When asked whether I’d consider writing a monthly column in the Sunderland Echo, it was an easy decision.
Why? Because I’m passionate not only about tackling crime across Sunderland and South Tyneside, but also engaging with the people who live and work here.
Not only do I want to hear your views on the things that really matter to you on policing matters, but I want you to understand what your Neighbourhood Policing Teams are doing, who they are and what issues we are dealing with heading into the summer and beyond.
Through this column, I can hopefully touch on operations we are running in your area, some success stories from across Southern Area Command and also the challenges we are facing.
But first, let me start by introducing myself. I am Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt and my team and I are responsible for all policing operations across Sunderland and South Tyneside. We are based at Millbank police station, in South Shields.
I’ve been part of the force for 23 years, and I am incredibly proud and passionate about this area. This is my home, and the area I look to protect and promote every day when I head into work.
A busy summer awaits, and not only for Sunderland AFC! All of us at Southern Area Command are looking forward to the flagship events that will bring thousands of people into the area over the coming months.
It will be a privilege to be part of the Sunderland Airshow again this year, an event which showcases the very best of what the North East has to offer, and which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
That excitement is heightened with the Tall Ships 2018 Races to be staged just a fortnight before, a five-day event from July 10-14 which will see a fleet from across the world provide a stunning spectacle on the banks of the River Wear and Port of Sunderland.
Plans are well under way to make sure it’s a summer to remember in Sunderland and South Tyneside – and I can’t wait. This is a time for excitement, to be proud of our local area, and I’m looking forward to seeing you over the course of the next few months.