Police shake-up aims for “more visible” policing

The shake-up will see Local Policing Units replace the district structures to deal with crime and antisocial behaviour.

Barnsley has two new teams combining safer neighbourhood officers and PCSOs.

Chief Con David Crompton said: “This is the biggest change to local policing in years.

“We have worked hard to retain visible, dedicated police teams in all our local areas but with reduced funding, we need to deliver these vital services at less cost, protecting what is most valuable and looking carefully at ways of being more efficient.

“The new operating model will save £8.1 million but the introduction of a county-wide shift pattern and consistent flexible working arrangements will actually mean more police officers working at peak times in the evenings and at weekends.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “These changes will bring a fresh way of working.

“Members of the public will see an increase in visibility of police officers and police community support officers in their local communities, providing greater access to advice, information and crime reporting.”

Launch events take place on Thursday (11) from 11am to 2pm at Goldthorpe Library and on the High Street at Wombwell.

The same model launched in Doncaster in May. It will arrive in Sheffield in September and Rotherham in October