Briefing
11 am— PCSO Alun Derrick is based with 6 other officers at Pontypridd Police Station.
His shift begins with a briefing from Sgt Dave Morris.
Incidents reported by commuters, station adoption volunteers, Arriva train staff and a local South Wales Police Neighbourhood Officer who is based at the station all form part of the briefing.
On train
11.30am—The Arriva Train Valleys Line is a key line of transport between Cardiff City and the valleys.
The BTP officers travel the line to reassure commuters and help to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
After being briefed PCSO Derrick is using the train to speak to a witness who has reported that youths have been seen playing on the line in a small village.
At house
12 midday— PCSODerrick attends at the witnesses house.
BTP PCSO’s often meet the local Neighbourhood PCSO’s to discuss joint issues. This helps provide a strong understanding of what the communities needs are.
Keeping you safe
1.30pm— Having received the information from the witness PCSODerrick uses his radio to relate the information back to his control room. He has to let them know that he is going to check the area and will be on the line.
BTP officers have expert training on safety methods on the railway line. Railway lines are extremely dangerous. Trespass laws are strict but essential to prevent tragedies.
Checking line
Local youths use the line to walk between Neighbourhoods. They do not understand the danger they pose to themselves and the travelling public.
We had a tragic death in Treorchy of a youngster.
This patrol is aimed at identifying the culprits, gathering evidence and deterring future episodes.
With passengers
3.30pm— Having finished a thorough patrol and speaking to some youths on the dangers of the line it is back on the Valley Lines to speak to the public.
Commuters feel reassurance to see a uniformed presence on the line. Incidents of anti social behaviour have been reduced since the patrols started.
The issues spoke about are raised at PACT meetings for both BTP and local wards.
Meeting Staff
5pm— Arriva train staff have received abuse and threats just for doing their job. The elimination of such reports is a key priority for BTP staff.
Incidents of staff abuse have decreased since the patrols have started. There is a zero tolerance attitude to incidents against staff. This helps provide a better quality of service to the commuter and Arriva train employees
Station Adopters
6pm—PCSODerrick meets one of the volunteers from the station adoption scheme.
Have you noticed how clean the stations now are? Have you noticed the graffiti has gone from the adopted stations?
Local members of the community make a difference by reporting directly to Arriva trains incidents of damage and litter. These are quickly eradicated making the station a nicer environment.
Local stations have actually won national awards for a Mosaic made by the local youth under an adoption scheme.
Debrief
6.30pm—A good days work is completed with a debrief from Sgt Morris.
Issues raised by the community are fed into not only BTP officers, it also goes to Arriva trains, South Wales Police and the Local Authority. We all have a role to play in making a Safer Journey.