New Police Sergeant Channels Efforts into Neighbourhood Policing

RESIDENTS in Meriden & Bickenhill can rest assured their new police sergeant and extreme swimmer Tony Hanlon goes to great lengths to achieve his goals.

The 39-year-old, who will lead the neighbourhood police team from April 6 as part of a major West Midlands Police restructure, once swam the English Channel to raise £10,000 for a children’s charity!

Super-tankers, jellyfish, two-metre high waves, and the odd plank of wood are just some of the obstacles Tony encountered during the 21-mile crossing. And the former lifeguard promises to bring the same steely determination to his new role as police sergeant across east Solihull.

“Meriden and Bickenhill are lovely places to live and work,” said Sgt Hanlon, “but if there is anything I can do to make people’s lives better then I want to know.

“I’m keen to speak to as many residents as possible in order to understand their priorities and address any concerns. We’ll be holding monthly police meetings in the community and regular street briefings where the public can raise any issues.”

Sgt Hanlon began his West Midlands Police career in 1998 having previously worked as a leisure centre manager. In 2002 he transferred to Warwickshire Police as a sergeant in Rugby, Bedworth and later Nuneaton, before returning to West Midlands last year in Solihull.

The father-of-one will be supported in Meriden & Bickenhill by a neighbourhood team made up of five Police Constables and three Community Support Officers. The team focuses solely on neighbourhood issues and, in accordance with national guidelines, will spend most of its time patrolling the streets and engaging with residents.

In fact, the restructure – known as Programme Paragon – has seen the number of neighbourhood officers across Solihull borough increase from 72 to 112.

Sgt Hanlon, added: “These officers are dedicated to tackling the kinds of issues residents say are most important to them, things like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. The whole Paragon reorganisation underpins the force’s commitment to local policing.”

Previously, the Meriden & Bickenhill neighbourhood police region encompassed Marston Green and the NEC – but after April 6 they will form a separate zone with its own dedicated police team. It will be overseen by outgoing Meriden & Bickenhill sergeant Liam Dalton.

“Policing a major venue like the NEC, and working with centre management to plan for events, took up a considerable amount of officer time,” added Sgt Hanlon. “With this commitment now taken on by a dedicated team it will free up my officers to spend more time in the region’s towns and villages.”

* Email Sgt Tony Hanlon direct on meriden@west-midlands.police.uk with any comments about policing in Meriden, concerns, or suggestions.

* From April 6, residents will be able to influence local police priorities by going to www.solihullpolice.org.uk, clicking on their neighbourhood and casting their vote. Details of upcoming community meetings can also be found on the website.

* To phone your local police station call 0845 113 5000.