LOCAL police are looking for members of the public from the Bradford on Avon, Melksham and Trowbridge area to join its Independent Advisory Group (IAG).
In particular, the police would like to invite applications from younger people, those from the business community, volunteer groups, and those with an interest in mental health.
Community Policing Team Inspector Gill Hughes explains, “If you care for what happens in your area and have time to spare, please do consider getting involved in your local IAG.
“As a voice into your local policing team, you can help improve the view from the whole of the community with your independent input.
“For example, the recent introduction of the Dog watch scheme was an idea presented by a member of the Trowbridge team. In a very short time it was created for the whole force area and has rapidly been adopted across our neighbourhoods.”
Melksham resident, Nick Westbrook, chair of the West Independent Advisory Group added, “We are always looking to welcome new blood into our team of volunteers forming the West Area Independent Advisory Group (IAG) of Wiltshire Police.
“We are a very diverse group of individuals, meeting every couple of months to act as a ‘critical friend’ to constructively advise and challenge Wiltshire Police about local policies, procedures and activities.
“Our role is to identify ways to make policing better for all in the market towns and surrounding villages covered by the Community Police Team supporting Bradford on Avon, Melksham and Trowbridge.
“Over the past three years, we have contributed advice on such topics as stop-and-search, the 101 call centre, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, county lines (drugs), Speedwatch, hate crime, use of tasers, the local police response to managing the Covid-19 guidance and large scale protests.
“Most recently we have promoted police action to tackle pet crime, leading to the setting up of Wiltshire Dogwatch.
“If you are interested, live or work in area, please visit the website to complete a short application form. We look forward to hearing from you.”
For more information about IAGs visit: https:// crowd.in/lSSupl
