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Supporting victims of crime is a major priority for the Isle of Wight's new top police officer.
Superintendent Will Schofield began his new role on the Island at the end of July, following the departure of the previous Isle of Wight Police Commander Superintendent Neil Sherrington.
In his first media interview, Mr Schofield told Isle of Wight Radio's Tom Stroud that he was already enjoying the new role. "I've now managed to locate myself on the Island. I have a flat and I'm really finding I can get to know the people and get round. It's a really different challenge for me, but one I'm relishing and enjoying."
As District Commander, Mr Schofield's role sees him command many of the Island's police resources - which includes the way they respond to calls and crimes, the Safer Neighbourhood police teams, and the way crimes are investigated on the Island. He also oversees specialist departments based on the Island, but that are controlled by the force's mainland headquarters.
"It does present some slightly different challenges, in terms of a bit of isolation and of course it's got a large tourist industry and events. Yes, it is a bit different," he admitted.
Before coming to the Island, Mr Schofield had spent four years as a district commander of Havant, covering Hayling Island. "In many ways, the Island is quite similar in terms of demographic and population and crime level. In fact, this presents quite a number of challenges that mainland commands don't.
"I think you have a lot to be grateful for. It is not only beautiful and it is a very low crime and safe area, in comparison with the country. In particular, crime and anti-social behaviour are down again," Mr Schofield added.
Meanwhile, the new Commander has said that there are areas he has already found that could be improved upon. He told IW Radio's Tom Stroud: "I'm early in my posting, and I'm very much fact-finding, but one of thing I have noticed is the way we investigate crimes and most importantly the support we give to victims. Whilst it's good compared with others, I think it's an area we can improve on potentially."
You can listen to Superintendent Will Schofield's first media interview with Isle of Wight Radio's Tom Stroud in his programme on 107 and 102fm from 10am on Thursday.
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