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.

This week... PCSO Abbie Bambridge

Where do you work and what is your patch like?

I’m a PCSO working in the city centre of York. It’s an exciting patch to work; every day I get to interact with a wide variety of people, and there’s barely a day goes by where I don’t feel like I’ve helped someone and made a difference. I also have the opportunity to work a wonderful range of events – from military parades, visits from the Archbishop of York, to the Naked Cycle Ride!

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is being outside and speaking to people. An important part of my role as a PCSO is visibility and public reassurance, so I’m lucky enough to spend the majority of my days walking or cycling around the wonderful city of York. Even if it’s just giving a tourist directions I feel like I’ve improved someone’s experience of visiting York, and made them feel safe.

What was your first arrest/issue you dealt with?

My first ever job in the city centre was a great one for me, as I got to see it all the way through to arrest. I was handed several packets of a brown powder - believed to be Class A drugs - by a member of security staff. When I reviewed the CCTV from the location I was able to identify the suspect who had dropped the packets, as I had met him earlier in the day. I saw the man in the city only an hour or so later, and he was arrested and dealt with.

And your most recent arrest/issue you dealt with?

The most recent job I dealt with was for a beggar on High Petergate. Begging is illegal, and we receive a significant number of calls about it in the city centre. However it is a difficult issue for us to deal with – an arrest is not usually proportionate, and dealing with beggars often has a negative public perception. We use a 6-Stage process which offers consistent opportunities for support to those individuals we encounter begging, but also enforcement action if they continue. We work closely with housing and addiction support charities to ensure that this approach is effective. We ask that the public understands that the majority of beggars in York are not homeless, and that we are dealing with them in the most effective way we can.

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

A stag do were being rowdy near York Station, causing issues for other people trying to use the path. I went to deal with them, and got them to hand over their beers as we were in the Alcohol Restriction Zone. I went to pour them away, but as I opened the first one it sprayed all over me. I smelled of beer for the entire remainder of the shift!

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

Please be aware of your property and personal safety. York is a very beautiful and safe city, but taking simple measures can make it even safer. Don’t answer the door to people you don’t know or aren’t expecting. Make sure you keep your bags closed and your bikes properly locked. And enjoy the city!