What changes are planned in Leeds under new neighbourhood policing structure?

The new model will ensure these is early and late cover from neighbourhood policing teams.

A report prepared for West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel details the essential role of neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs) in the effective functioning of all departments.

But it said: “Maintaining effective neighbourhood policing under the current structures has become increasingly difficult, due to increased demand for service as well as budget reductions, resulting in neighbourhood PCs and PCSOs used to routinely assist with call demand. This not only lessens visibility within communities but also has the knock on effect of limiting time for engagement, problem solving and prevention, and early intervention.”

Under the new model, 120 extra neighbourhood posts will be created across the force and a minimum of three teams will be formed in each NPT area to ensure early and late shift cover in communities daily.

The five districts served by West Yorkshire Police.

In Leeds district, there will be six larger neighbourhood policing areas instead of the current 11. Each will consist of an inspector overseeing a minimum of three sergeant-led teams of PCs, PCSOs, Special Constables and volunteers.

Wakefield will have three areas, with six in Bradford, four in Kirklees and two in Calderdale.

The report said it would allow frontline officers to focus on their work in communities.

However, it notes that potential risks include a reduction in call handling performance in some areas, staff resistance to change, the effect of change on morale and the impact on other force programmes for change.

The new neighbourhood policing areas proposed in Leeds.

Expanding neighbourhood teams could also leave separate patrol teams with too many student officers, the report said.

But it also sets out the measures which will be taken to mitigate against any potential risks.

The proposed date for implementation of the new model is March 26 next year.