Prevention and Neighbourhoods

The Prevention and Neighbourhoods function is at the heart of community policing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
It focuses on early intervention, visible patrols, community engagement, partnership problem-solving, and tackling antisocial behaviour — the things that make the greatest difference to how safe people feel as well as how safe they are.

By combining prevention, enforcement, and community partnership, these teams ensure that local policing remains personal, accessible, and trusted.

Purpose and Approach

The Prevention and Neighbourhoods strand works to:

• Identify and address local priorities raised by communities.

• Reduce crime and antisocial behaviour through early intervention and engagement.

• Build lasting relationships with residents, councils, and partner agencies.

• Safeguard vulnerable people and prevent harm before it occurs.

• Deliver visible policing that inspires public confidence.

The teams operate across every policing district, working alongside Response, Investigation, and Task Force colleagues to deliver coordinated, intelligence-led policing.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs)

Neighbourhood Policing Teams are the most visible part of local policing.
Comprising police officers, PCSOs, and Special Constables, they:

• Conduct regular patrols and community meetings.

• Tackle local priorities such as antisocial behaviour, theft, or public safety.

• Engage with schools, residents, and businesses to build trust.

• Provide reassurance and support to vulnerable people.

• Collect intelligence that supports wider investigations and tasking.

Each NPT works under a local Neighbourhood Inspector, with defined wards and contact points.
You can meet your neighbourhood teams and Local Bobbies by visiting our Local Policing Areas page.

Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams (NETs)

Neighbourhood Enforcement Teams are dedicated problem-solving and enforcement officers tackling persistent antisocial behaviour, disorder, and low-level criminality.
They work closely with local councils, housing providers, and community safety partnerships to:

• Identify offenders and take robust action through patrols, warrants, and targeted operations.

• Support civil enforcement such as closure orders and injunctions.

• Provide visible patrols in hotspot areas.

• Support NPTs in community reassurance patrols following serious incidents.

NETs are area-based proactive units (Eastern, Northern, Western and Isle of Wight), providing flexible support across multiple districts under the direction of each Area Commander (Chief Superintendent).
District Commanders and their Deputies identify local priorities, while tasking and coordination of NET deployments take place through Area Tasking and Coordination Groups (TTCGs) to ensure resources are used where they can have the greatest impact.

Their proactive and flexible approach ensures that recurring problems are dealt with decisively, restoring confidence in local areas and supporting community safety across the wider policing area.

Partnership and Problem Solving Team

The Partnership and Problem Solving Team coordinates force-wide initiatives that bring together local authorities, housing associations, health services, and voluntary groups.
They use evidence-based approaches such as the OSARA model (Objective, Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment) to understand root causes and implement sustainable solutions.

This team also manages the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme, allowing approved partners (like local wardens and security officers) to take on limited police powers to support safer neighbourhoods.

Youth Engagement Team

The Youth Engagement Team focuses on early intervention and diversion — engaging with young people to prevent them entering the criminal justice system.
They work closely with schools, youth services, and diversionary programmes to:

• Educate about knife crime, exploitation, and online safety.

• Support at-risk youth through mentoring and family engagement.

• Work with the Youth Offending Teams to reduce reoffending.

By building trust and offering positive choices, they help young people achieve better outcomes and contribute positively to their communities.

Licensing Enforcement Team

The Licensing Enforcement Team ensures that pubs, clubs, events, and licensed venues operate safely and within the law.
Working closely with local councils and event organisers, they:

• Inspect licensed premises to ensure compliance.

• Prevent alcohol-related crime and disorder.

• Support the safe management of large public events and festivals.

• Provide training and advice to venue staff and licence holders.

Their work helps maintain vibrant, safe nightlife and community events across Hampshire.

Working with Communities

Every Prevention and Neighbourhoods team works closely with residents to identify priorities and share results.
Through Hampshire Alert, community meetings, and public engagement events, officers keep residents informed and involved in shaping local policing.

By combining enforcement with empathy, and visibility with accountability, these teams embody the principles of community policing that define Hampshire’s approach.

Explore more:

• Local Policing Command (LPC)

• Response

• Local Crime Investigations

• Task Forces

• Local Bobbies