Emphasis on neighbourhood police – ‘it’s everyone’s job’
THREE weeks into the chief of police job, and Damian Kitchen has been settling in and assessing the priorities for his time at the helm of the police force.
Originally from Lancashire, Mr Kitchen has relocated to the Bailiwick for the role with almost 30 years of policing experience behind him.
‘I saw an amazing privilege to lead a law enforcement agency and police service in a unique setting, which is something I’d never had to chance to do in the UK,’ he said.
‘I think Guernsey has a good footing, workforce and partnerships that will allow me to take it to the next level.
‘My job is to harness that and provide the best service to communities across the Bailiwick that I can.’
One of his priorities is having a great emphasis on neighbourhood police, as he views it as everyone’s job.
‘I want to start thinking about the ways that we incorporate increased neighbourhood visibility and engagement in everything we do,’ he said.
‘Prevention and detection crime is at the heart of what we do and that will continue.
‘We also need to really keep focusing on protecting the most vulnerable people in society, those who are frightened or might not feel confident to report things to the police, particularly where exploitation is involved or high impact crimes such as offending against children, sexual exploitation and violence against women and girls.’
Mr Kitchen acknowledged the hard work which already takes place in Guernsey Police and what officers do for the safety of the public.
As a new resident of Guernsey, he said that ‘the people are fantastic’.
‘I grew up in a rural community and it feels like a home away from home because people are friendly and speak to each other,’ he said.
Over the next few weeks, Mr Kitchen will be drawing up plans for the next three years, and hopes to do this in consultation with the community.
