LONDON’S vision for neighbourhood policing is taking shape in the pilot boroughs of Camden and Haringey.

In Camden local residents will soon be getting to know the faces of their neighbourhood sergeants, PCs and PCSOs in what will be the first of the Met’s new Neighbourhood Teams.

Camden Inspector Michael Standing said the council wards being policed (Gospel Oak and Haverstock) were two of the most socially deprived in London. Both areas suffered from high levels of youth disorder and drug misuse. They will form one policing area for a double team plus two PCSOs funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

“Aside from drugs, the levels of reported crime there are not that great – but the fear of crime is huge. A high number of people are scared of leaving their houses at night and there are massive quality of life issues for every one of the residents,” he said.

Superintendent Clive Wakeley from the Step Change Programme Team said the Home Office’s National Reassurance Project had proved the merits of engaging with the community to reduce the fear of crime. The new teams will put several concepts from the national project into practice, including conducting environmental audits and asking residents about their perceptions of crime and assessing their priorities.

Insp Standing said a community panel was being set up for both wards which will prioritise the crime areas of most concern to residents. “It will be made up of people who are directly affected by the crimes,” he said. “It will be a very effective communication network and our team members will have received training in negotiation skills and advice on chairing meetings.

“The community focus means we need some exceptional individuals who can work with partners, problem-solve and deliver real improvement. We are still in need of applicants for some of these positions.”

The two wards also benefit from the council co-ordinated Neighbourhood Renewal Fund which is paying for refurbished premises to be used by police in a street between the wards.

The teams will have close liaison with the schools beat officer who is based at Haverstock Secondary School.

The officers will be attached to the Kentish Town Sector Team. Haringey will also be receiving two neighbourhood teams in White Hart Lane and Crouch.