Older residents enjoy visits from local officers – and police pooch Poppy!

As part of their community engagement work, the Safer Neighbourhood Team have been out and about visiting older members of the community – and police pooch Poppy has been assisting!

On Tuesday morning (24 October), PCSOs Anne Devine and Bill McCaskie visited residents in Panshanger. They were joined by special guest Poppy from the constabulary’s RAPPAW scheme.

RAPPAW sees trained dog owners and their pets support vulnerable victims and witnesses. They also provide wellbeing support to officers and staff within the force.

Later that day, PCSO Devine and PC Mitch Cartwright spent some time at the Dementia Friendly Community Café in Digswell.

The event was Halloween themed and included a performance from a singer.

PCSO Devine said: “We had such a lovely day meeting everyone and offering our help and support. They all made us feel very welcome.

“Poppy was certainly the star of the show on our Panshanger visit and we were pleased to bring some fun and joy to the residents.

“There was brilliant atmosphere at the café too with lots of singing and dancing! It's so important for our vulnerable members of the community to feel protected by the police and it was a pleasure to attend.”

You can use our community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives and campaigns. Visit the following and tell us your thoughts.

Welwyn Hatfield North (opens in a new window) - Welwyn West, Welwyn East, Haldens, Sherrards, Handside, Peartree and Panshanger

Welwyn Hatfield South (opens in a new window) -  Hollybush, Cuffley, Howlands, Northaw, Hatfield East, Hatfield South, Welham Green, Brookmans Park and Little Heath

Welwyn Hatfield West (opens in a new window) -  Hatfield Villages, Hatfield Central, Hatfield South West and the University of Hertfordshire