New police 'problem-solving' team in Walsall tackling issues affecting communities
Meet Walsall's latest problem-solving team – set up to tackle issues which impact communities including shoplifting, antisocial behaviour (ASB) and drug dealing.
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Led by Inspector Saqib Butt, the problem-solving team has only been up and running for two months but it is already making a 'great impact' across the Walsall borough.
Problem-solving policing is a proactive policing strategy that involves identifying and analysing crime and disorder problems in a community to develop effective responses to the issues.
Insp Butt is joined by Sergeant Mo Khalid with the team also consisting of both uniformed and plain clothed officers who are based at Walsall’s Civic Centre. It was set up on November 4.
Supported by other Walsall neighbourhood teams the problem solving team have handed out over 25 ASB disruption notices, 21 ASB warning notices and issued three knife warning letters. Working alongside neighbourhood officers, they have also helped to apprehend prolific shoplifters with more than 30 offenders arrested and charged with offences, with some already having spent Christmas behind bars.
The problem-solving team carry out regular patrols,submit intelligence regarding drug dealing activity and work closely with the Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation team around drug dealers.
They listen to the community with regards to ASB and work closely with their partners including West Midlands Travel, Walsall Council and Walsall College.
Inspector Butt said: “I have a dedicated problem-solving team who are tackling issues head on. The team combined with our neighbourhood teams have produced some tremendous results since we were first set up at the start of November including tackling shoplifting, ASB and drug dealing. We have been arresting and charging prolific shoplifters and getting them in front of the courts.
“We listen to the community with regards to drug dealing and we have seen a marked reduction in demand. We have been working alongside our partners and listening and engaging with people over issues which impact our communities and we are keen to hear from people about issues which affect them.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "You can contact the problem-solving team via live Chat on our website or by calling 101. If you want to report crime anonymously ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
