10:36am Monday 3rd March 2008
By Ali Davies
Around 300 police officers are to work in 47 new Neighbourhood Policing Teams across the district, it has been announced.
West Yorkshire Police revealed the number of police officers and police community support officers performing in such roles now totalled 1,647.
The inspector-led teams - of sergeants, constables and PCSOs - will cover the county's five districts, which match up with local authority areas.
People can meet the teams at roadshows this week.
Home Office Policing Minister Tony McNulty attended the launch of the new-look teams with West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Sir Norman Bettison, West Yorkshire police authority chairman Councillor Mark Burns-Williamson and Wakefield District Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan.
Sir Norman said "It is obvious to me, after 35 years in policing, that the thing the public wants to see more than anything is a regular patrol from familiar officers in uniform who understand the problems that exist within the community, and who resolve those problems which are of most concern to local people.
"Good old-fashioned bobbying is what I call it."
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