PCSOs play a vital and important role within Kent Police, helping to deal with and prevent crime across our local community.
Sittingbourne PCSO Lorraine Holmes has been in her job role for five years and currently looks after Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch ward, and we caught up with her to find out a little bit more about her role within the community and how local residents can get in touch if they have something to report.
What first inspired you to get involved with Kent Police?
“My friend became a PCSO with Kent Police in 2006 and I saw an advert for the role of Detention Officer working at Medway custody in early 2007. At the time I was working in the retail industry and felt like I needed a new challenge in my life. I ended up working as a Detention Officer for 7 years. Following the birth of my second child I started working in the Criminal Justice Unit as they were able to offer flexible working which was ideal at the time for helping me achieve a good work/life balance.
“I joined as a PCSO because I wanted to get out and about in the community and help out residents in particular that are vulnerable or at risk of harm. Day to day I conduct mobile and foot patrols as required, keeping an eye out for issues and persons of interest.
“It is predominantly a rural ward and there are associated rural issues such as thefts from stables, youths riding off road bikes in the fields, dog attacks etc.
“Our control room will direct me to calls that are suitable for PCSOs to attend, such as minor Road Traffic Collisions, neighbour disputes and issues with nuisance youths. I like the variety of calls that I get sent to and the different people I get to meet.
“I aim to hold a drop-in surgery in Newington and Upchurch at least once a month which gives the local residents the chance to bring any issues to my attention.”
Is there any advice you would like to pass on to readers to stay safe during the spring months?
“I would always advise residents to double check a person’s identity if someone attends their address purporting to be from utility companies etc. Anyone from a genuine company will have no issue with you calling their company to confirm their identity. They should be carrying a photo identity card as well which they should show you on demand. The same can be said of any attending Police Officer or PCSO; they will always provide you with their ID/warrant card and you can call up the Force Control Room to confirm any officer’s identification if you have any doubts.”