A new Joint Enforcement Team of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council staff and police officers has been launched to provide a quicker, more visible and more robust response to anti-social behaviour in the borough.
The aim of this pilot project – the first of its kind in Surrey – is to tackle those issues that cause our residents concern and improve their sense of safety.
The team
The Joint Enforcement Team (JET) is made up of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council staff who already have powers of enforcement, such as Borough Community Officers, Environmental Health Officers, Civil Enforcement Officers (traffic wardens) and Planning Enforcement Officers, and Surrey Police Officers from the Reigate & Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Team. The team will be located at the Town Hall, Reigate.
What the Joint Enforcement Team will tackle
The team will tackle a whole range of issues, many of which we already deal with like:
- fly tipping and litter
- fly posting and graffiti
- dog fouling
- noise
- problems with licensed premises
- problems with taxis.
Council enforcement officers have also been given extra powers by Surrey Police and undergone additional training so they can deal with a wider range of issues, including cycling offences, highway obstruction, sale of alcohol and dangerous dogs, among others.
The joint team will carry out targeted work to deal with particular issues too, working with other agencies like Surrey County Council.
Greater visibility
When out on patrol, council enforcement officers will wear high-visibility uniforms to make them more recognisable to the public and provide an extra deterrent to would-be offenders.
Education and engagement
Cllr Victor Broad, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, said: “We live in one of the safest counties in England but we know that the inconsiderate and antisocial behaviour by a minority is a serious concern to our residents. Working even more closely with Surrey Police and sharing some powers will enable us to deal with issues more effectively when they arise.
“It’s not just about enforcement though. The team’s work to engage with the community and educate people about the consequences of their behaviour will also play an important role to make the borough even safer.”
Following feedback from the public that they wanted more to be done – and done more quickly – about antisocial behaviour, Surrey’s elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Kevin Hurley, has been working with councillors, council officers and senior Surrey Police leaders over the last few months to develop this project.
Report it
You can report a problem online to the JET team, or call 01737 276300. In an emergency, always dial 999. For more information about what the team will deal with see the Joint Enforcement Team page.
