New Sergeant for Hertfordshire’s rural policing team

A new Sergeant has joined Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Operational Support Team (ROST).

Sgt Alex Winning has taken on the role and will lead the team in their continuing efforts to help tackle rural and wildlife crime across the county.

Alex joined the constabulary in 2015 and was previously a Special Constable in Northamptonshire.

He has worked within Intervention (emergency response), Safer Neighbourhood and Scorpion teams across Hatfield and St Albans, as well as within the force control room.

However, he has always had a keen interest in rural policing, having lived and worked with horses on a ranch in America.

“My previous experience means I have a number of skills I can bring to the role, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team,” said Alex.

The ROST has expanded its capabilities in recent years and the team’s portfolio incorporates several aspects including wildlife, equine, environmental and heritage crime.

They work closely with Safer Neighbourhood colleagues, to advise and assist in investigations and long-term problem solving. They also work with rural teams in neighbouring counties, as well as the National Farmers’ Union and a host of partner agencies and organisations.

They have a wealth of equipment and skills at their disposal, including 4x4 off road vehicles, quadbikes, drones, thermal imaging scopes and wildlife trail cameras.

Alex said: “I’m hoping to further strengthen the relationships between the constabulary and our rural communities, and my plea would be to please engage with us.

“We’re passionate about rural policing and we really need the local community to tell us what’s happening and report incidents to us, so that we can make sure we’re supporting you effectively.

“Reporting incidents helps us to build up a more accurate picture of what is happening so we can allocate funding and resources accordingly.

“We’ll be holding regular meetings with the National Farmers’ Union to stay across any issues, and we’ll continue to host our Barn Meet events for the community to meet officers and have their say.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.