Derbyshire Dales’ new police Inspector aiming for close community links

Inspector Rich Booth has taken over the Dales’ reins from Inspector Bryan Hall, who recently retired after 38 years in the force.

He is now in charge of policing from Bakewell down to Ashbourne, including Matlock, Wirksworth, Hathersage and the surrounding areas.

Improving the good relationship officers already have with the public is one of Inspector Booth’s key aims, along with targeting the crimes and community issues that matter to the public.

He said: “Having close ties with members of the public is crucial in helping us to keep them safe by keeping crime low.

“There was already a good relationship between police and the public in this area and that’s something I’m extremely keen to build on.

“The Safer Neighbourhood teams are hosting regular surgeries and forums and getting out on the streets, so if you see your local officers, come up and have a chat with them.

“Together we can continue to work on tackling the problems that matter to the people we serve.”

Acquisitive crime such as shoplifting and burglary will be a policing priority for the Inspector, as will working to boost the level of information members of the public pass to police.

Insp Booth started his career with Derbyshire Constabulary in 2000, as a PC in the Pear Tree area of Derby.

Since then, he has spent time as a trainer of new recruits at police headquarters in Ripley, before becoming Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant in Belper from 2009 to 2012.

He added: “The variety of roles I’ve had have given me an insight into the different ways we can work to cut crime and protect people from becoming victims or involved in it.”