Jane Sawyers

Staffordshire’s police chief says officers will have a more visible presence in Lichfield and Burntwood as they look to reassure residents in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

Uniformed officers have been visible at locations such as Lichfield City station since the suicide bomber struck following an Ariana Grande concert at the MEN Arena.

Jane Sawyers
Jane Sawyers
Staffordshire Police’s Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said the force was prepared to deal with the aftermath of a major incident.

“Officers train for and rehearse situations like these on a regular basis and a plan is in place to provide reassurance to local communities across the country,” she said.

“As a precautionary measure, you will see more police officers on the streets of Staffordshire in the coming days. Please do not be alarmed, this highly visible approach is there to ensure you feel safe and reassured as we assist with the wider response to the tragic and horrific events of this week.

“Please remember acts of terrorism and hate crimes are committed by a small minority of people and are not representative of the general public. We must respond to this attack by uniting with members of our community to demonstrate that we do not welcome extremist and violent behaviour to intimidate or cause fear.”

Chief Constable Sawyers added that residents should play their part in keeping communities safe.

She said: “At this time we continue to ask the public to remain calm but alert. If you see anything that causes you concern, then let us know immediately.

“I’m sure you can appreciate it is an extremely busy time for our control room, so please remember to focus reports on anything genuinely suspicious. If you see or hear anything that you think could be terrorist-related, trust your instinct no matter how small, then act and call 999.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

8 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
John Griffin
6 years ago

Given the reductions in the force and support staff, what is being neglected in order to provide a presence? Serving copper I know has given examples from minor theft to domestic violence where already no action can be taken because there are no available coppers. PCSOs and ordinary coppers aren’t firearms trained. We have also a dearth of intelligence now – as highlighted by the Police Federation – due to chaotic cuts under the Tories. More coppers? -oh that’s the nasty Mr Corbyn’s policy.

Darryl
6 years ago

“Staffordshire Police’s Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said the force was prepared to deal with the aftermath of a major incident.”

When I knock a glass of wine from the table, I have a cloth and dust pan and brush to clean up the ‘aftermath.’

I took measures to ensure my glass wasn’t as close to the edge in the future.

I’m not sure your words are very reassuring.

Chris
6 years ago

I was in a pub in Lichfield last night when a policewoman walked by. That’s odd I thought.
Then Fabricant walked in.
The police presence didn’t make me feel safer, but the Tory presence did make me feel more nauseous.

The Teach
6 years ago

Due to cuts, the police are reactive not proactive. When did we last see “a Bobby on the beat”? The only way to know communities is to be a part of the community! Police no longer respond to “minor crime”, whatever that is! PCSOs may be part of the solution, but I have only seen one in the Library, not only streets.

Darryl
6 years ago

The Teach nails it.

20,000 fewer police and who oversaw this? May as Home Secretary. Belligerently she stood up at the National Police Convention and told them to “do more with less,” to “get onboard or get out.”

I hope those words haunt her come the general election.

mike mcgeown
6 years ago

I for one do not feel reassured.There are simply not enough police persons protecting our country and certainly not in Lichfield.
However visit Westminster and you will find plenty and armed to boot

Rob
6 years ago

Who do all these absent police persons need to protect us from? Is there a sudden increase in our vulnerability?

John Griffin
6 years ago

Who’s pledged 10,000 more coppers and more armed forces with better kit? Wll it ain’t the Tories, it’s Labour. So who’s more concerned to protect the ordinary citizen (as opposed to rich politicians)? May has done more than anyone to create todays’ situation, with her sneering at the police when they tell her what the cuts will cause.