Content area
Full Text
DEREK POLLOCK, POLICE COMMANDER, ROYAL PARKS OPERATIONAL COMMAND UNIT
A spate of violent crimes in parks across the country has made it easy for hysteria to grip a nation which might assume that green spaces have become virtual no-go areas filled with knife-wielding gangs. But for most who work in parks the reality is far different and it is a battle to keep public perception from escalating out of control.
Recently appointed Royal Parks Operational Command Unit police commander Derek Pollock is quick to dispel the myths. "Public perception is that violent crimes happen a great deal more than they do," he says. "In fact, my 83-year-old mum is now too frightened to go for a walk but the level of crime where we live in Essex is virtually nil."
It is no secret that there is crime in parks, but the Royal Parks are particularly fortunate in that members of the public benefit from the watchful eyes of a dedicated team of officers.
Although the Royal Parks Constabulary, a force in its own right, was merged with the Metropolitan Police in 2004, providing a high level of police visibility is still one of its highest priorities.
"When parks are used by local hooligans and contain graffiti and...