New officers on the village beat

Two new police officers have started on the beat in Abbots Langley. PC Christopher Holding and PCSO Stephen Russell have recently joined the local Safer Neighbourhood team, which is based at Abbots Langley police station and is led by Sergeant Neil Canning. PC Christopher Holding, has worked for the Constabulary since 2006 and previously worked in the Intervention team, which responds to emergency calls. PC Holding said: “I’m looking forward to the new role and helping to tackle local issues.” PCSO Stephen Russell is covering Leavesden. Prior to joining, heworked at West Herts College for seven years as an Associate Learning Advisor, supporting teens and adults with physical and learning difficulties, as well as students with Autism or Asperger’s. Stephen said: “Through my previous role at the college I have gained immense experience and skills in dealing with mental health issues, and people in general, which I am sure will be valuable in the role of a PCSO. “I will be covering the Leavesden beat area but in the Abbots Langley team we tend to help other areas of the town where needed, as well as in our designated beat. I am hoping to help the community in finding positive solutions to any issues they may have, be it ASB at the Spar in School Mead, to helping the elderly or those with mental health issues, to dealing with issues within schools.” Chief Inspector for Three Rivers Deirdre Dent said: “I am confident that Christopher and Stephen will be great additions to the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Abbots Langley as they both have a wealth of experience to bring to the team. “In Abbots Langley, the Safer Neighbourhood Team is based in the heart of the community and does a great deal of positive work to help residents and solve local issues. I welcome them to the team.”