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Parks police

The London Borough of Redbridge Parks Police Service was established in May 2006.  Consisting of a chief officer, two sergeants and 12 constables the service operates from its new headquarters at Wash Lodge in Valentines Park. 

They are supported by an information and intelligence officer who is responsible for liaising with the Metropolitan Police.  He ensures that information is both current and accessible to all officers in support of their role.

Main responsibilities

All the officers are sworn constables.  Their main responsibilities are to:

• provide a safe environment for all persons visiting or working within the parks and open spaces
• prevent crime and anti social behaviour, but where such incidents occur take an appropriate course of action
• provide a visible and responsive service which helps to reduce the fear of crime and anti social behaviour
• provide crime prevention advice where appropriate
• improve road safety. There has been a 28% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents in the last year.

Officer powers

All officers have the power to arrest and detain; a power they have used frequently since their introduction.  All of the officers are first aid trained and have been trained in the use of defibrillators.  Their uniform includes personal protective equipment and is carried when on duty.

Patrols

The officers patrol all of the 49 parks and open spaces within the borough. They patrol on foot pedal cycle, motorcycle and vehicle. They operate on a daily basis (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day). 

Rostering

There are two rosters in operation for the summer and winter months and the officers operate 10 hour shifts working four days on and four days off. Each sergeant has a team of six constables. 

Summer

From 9.00 am to 11.00 pm daily in  April and October

Winter 

From 9.00 am to 7.00 pm daily in November and March