University joins forces with Nottingham­shire Police to support local businesses

The University of Derby and Nottinghamshire Police have joined forces on a new and exciting partnership that is designed to support local businesses with the issues they face and to give real life exposure to students at the university.

The students, who are studying Policing and Investigations, will act as volunteers for four hours or more per week over a three-year programme that is designed to help business prevent crime.

The ‘Meet and Greet’ scheme is an example of how Nottinghamshire Police intends to support the business community, in tackling issues that affect them.

PC Jo Baxter said: “This will be a multiagency initiative working together with Rushcliffe Borough Council and local businesses to positively engage with members of the public, providing a visible presence within the locality.

“The scheme will give students the opportunity to both observe and take an active role in how the police seek to prevent criminality and investigate when it occurs.”

Deputy Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Debbie Mason said: “We have a successful Shop Watch Scheme in West Bridgford run in partnership with local retail businesses and Nottinghamshire Police.

“Meet and Greet will offer further assistance in our joint purpose to reduce retail crime and provide greater reassurance to local retailers and businesses that they have further channels to contact the police as a result of these volunteers.”

Tony Blockley, Discipline Head for Policing at the University of Derby, said: “This is a unique opportunity for our students. They will have the benefit of understanding the industry they will be seeking employment in and how to apply theory to practice. 

“We have been able to develop this relationship with Nottinghamshire Police, who recognise the benefits of using the students and this can only be good for the students, the organisations, the businesses and the public."