Gary Gibbs - Police Community Support Officer(PCSO) - A day in the life - Careers - Surrey Police

Profile: PCSO Gary Gibbs

When Gary Gibbs left the print industry nearly two years ago he had no idea he would soon be organising training events with Chelsea Football Club for young people across Elmbridge.

But after joining Surrey Police as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in September 2005, Gary has made the most of the role's flexibility and helped set up a range of innovative schemes to benefit all ages in the community.

PCSO Gibbs is part of the Cobham and Oxshott Safer Neighbourhood team and works with Neighbourhood Specialist Officer (NSO) PC Lee Fabry to address crime and disorder in the community.

Together they have organised a number of initiatives - from a snooker competition between young people and elderly residents to reduce the fear of crime, to arranging a nail bar at the local youth club.

Gary explained he enjoyed being part of the community and working with people and partner organisations, like the borough council, to help tackle local issues and concerns.

"You get out of the area what you put into it," he explained. "I like to go out and meet people, give them reassurance advice and get involved in all the local community groups and meetings. And every day is different."

Gary attends meetings run by the residents' associations and the Chamber of Commerce, visits day centres and spends time out on patrol.

"It helps you get to know people in the community and know what goes on in your area," he explained.

He has also driven the establishment of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Cobham and has helped set up more than 20 new roads in the area.

"It brings neighbourhoods together, makes residents feel more secure and also helps with security matters" he added.

Gary is currently working on a project with Chelsea Football Club - where trainers from the Premiership team visit youth clubs to run regular training sessions for young people.

After the football club's positive response about visiting the teenagers in Cobham, Gary realised the potential of the scheme and has helped extend it to youth clubs across Elmbridge.

As well as visiting local schools and attending community events, he and PC Fabry hold regular surgeries and panel meetings where local residents can raise concerns about crime and disorder.

"I think a big part of the job is talking to and listening to people - and they like having someone they know who they can talk to about any concerns."