Who are our local police officers, and what do they deal with day-to-day?

We've teamed up with North Yorkshire Police to introduce you to some of their officers. This semi-regular series will help you get to know them a little better.

First up.... Sgt Nick Plumb

Where do you work and what is your patch like?

My area is York City Centre. It’s a busy city centre, with all the associated issues and challenges. York is a very vibrant city, attracting people from all areas of society – be they sightseers, residents, business people, students or party-goers.

The majority of people in my area respect the city and its heritage, and take pride in York. My role is about ensuring that everyone in York city centre receives help and support from North Yorkshire Police if they need it, and that I build strong relationships with partner agencies. These relationships are essential to protect the vulnerable, and also make people feel safe while they’re in York.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best things about my job are the diversity of the role and the potential for every day to be different. I get to make a difference – every time I interact with somebody I have the opportunity to improve their life.

I get a sense of satisfaction from helping my community, overcoming challenges to ultimately change things for the better. I also am that person who people turn to when they feel nobody is there to help and they have nowhere else to turn. I feel that I make a difference.

What was your first arrest?

My first arrest with North Yorkshire Police was for an assault in the city where a man was knocked to the floor. I located and arrested the offender and placed him before the courts.

And your most recent arrest?

My most recent arrest was for Section 5 Public Order (causing harassment or distress) after a man decided he would use abusive language in the city centre while the streets were full of families. The man was warned on a number of occasions and he was in drink.

Can you tell us about a funny incident that’s happened when you were on duty?

Whilst working on a plain clothes team within York I was tasked to attend York Magistrates Court to deal with an incident. I am unlucky enough to look like one of York’s well-known offenders, and whilst dressed in my tracksuit bottoms and sports hoody the court clerk approached me and stated that I should not be in this area as defendants are to wait outside the relevant court. They had assumed I was the defendant for an ongoing court case!

What one message would you most like to get across to the public?

As the city centre sergeant, I am dealing with public concerns about Saturday afternoon drinking – specifically the volume of people travelling to York to celebrate and drink to excess. Over the past 12 months, strong working relationships have been developed between everyone who has a role to play in this area. This has resulted in a noticeable positive impact on the behaviour of people visiting York on a Saturday afternoon. The “Had Enough” campaign and licensees’ Code of Conduct have been particularly impactful, thanks to the partnership working from everyone involved. I would like to reassure everyone that York is a very safe place to visit any time of the week and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.