Meet your new friendly neighbourhood PCSOs.
Three new police community support officers are on the streets after an intense training schedule.
Nikki Timms, Ken Stephenson and Tim Nicholls are currently on patrol with their mentors in their respective areas. Nikki can be found in Spalding town, Ken is patroling estates and Tim is taking care of the rural regions.
Inspector Gareth Boxall said: “It’s really exciting to have three extra PCSOs with such a wide background who are all so keen to serve our local community.”
Tim (23) grew up in Spalding and said this new role will give him valuable experience in the force. “All my life I’ve wanted to be involved with the police,” he said. “It’s a chance to make a difference.”
Ken (55) is an experienced PSCO, having spent four years with Thames Valley Police. “I’m very impressed with Lincolnshire Police,” Ken said. “They’re very advanced with their use of technology and I like the rural aspect.”
Former primary school teacher Nikki (43), from Market Deeping, said she signed up to work at the heart of the community and brings with her a wealth of experience.
“There’s a lot of transferrable skills,” she said. “It’s a lot of communication, a lot of listening, a lot of pointing people in the right direction and what people want from you.”
The team are into their third week out with mentors and all agree they’ve really enjoyed it so far.
Nikki explained: “For the first few days I observed what my mentor was doing but from our nine-week training at headquarters the theory side of it makes sense and I’m feeling confortable and confident now. My mentor is absolutely fantastic,” she said.
The training included the law, first aid training, personal safety and community awareness days covering the likes of mental health and religion.
With the theory side covered in training, the practical aspect of patrol was a surprise to the recruits. Nikki likened gearing up to leave the station to going out with a baby for the first time, getting a handle all the new equipment needed.
On Tim’s first day, he visited schools to discuss any problems and then patrolled the beat. Ken said he visited the estates he’ll be patrolling.
Ken’s message to the public is simple: “We are approachable and we’re there to help. Even if it’s just a chat, just come up and say hello.”
