Exmoor National Park Authority Receives the Go Ahead from the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme
In the first of its kind for the region, Exmoor National Park Authority has been jointly accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) by both Devon & Cornwall Police and Avon and Somerset Police.
This recognition marks a collaborative effort between Exmoor National Park Authority and the police, to enhance safety and community engagement within Exmoor National Park. Exmoor is a popular visitor destination, and this accreditation helps to ensure the area is a safe and enjoyable place to visit and live in.
CSAS enables Chief Constables to accredit a limited number of policing powers to employees of external organisations, who are involved in community safety. Accredited personnel from these organisations receive appropriate training and are police vetted.
It’s the first cross-border scheme in the area, Exmoor National Park lies within both Devon and Somerset, and across two police force regions. There is an agreement in place that Devon & Cornwall Police will be the lead force.
Under the CSAS accreditation, Exmoor National Park Rangers have been given powers to help tackle anti-social behaviour within the park, as well as to stop and direct traffic.
During adverse weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, storms, or floods, the rangers can efficiently respond to the changing circumstances. They can assess road conditions, implement appropriate traffic control measures, and redirect vehicles away from hazardous areas.
Becki Brodest-Nott, CSAS Manager for Devon & Cornwall Police, said: "We are delighted to accredit the Exmoor National Park Authority under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. This partnership shows a strong commitment we have to ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors within the Park. By accrediting the Park Rangers with policing powers, we are confident in their ability to effectively address anti-social behaviour, helping to make the park a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone. We look forward to the continued success of this partnership."
A key benefit of CSAS accreditation is the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Exmoor National Park Authority and the local policing teams. By working hand in hand with local officers, the rangers can establish effective communication channels in gathering and sharing information. This two-way interaction allows for a better understanding of community concerns and issues, enabling both the Authority and police to tailor their initiatives to address specific needs.
Dan Barnett, from Exmoor National Park Authority, commented: “We have always worked well with our local police teams, and this accreditation through CSAS will help our partnership to grow further, working more efficiently to assist the police with their important work, to protect Exmoor’s special qualities, and to better serve our communities.”
Kay Lewis, CSAS Manager for Avon and Somerset Police, added: “We are pleased to be supporting Devon & Cornwall Police with the accreditation of the Exmoor National Park Authority under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. The benefit of this partnership to visitors within the Park will ensure that the Exmoor National Park Authority can effectively address anti-social behaviour, helping to make the Park a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone. We look forward to working with Devon & Cornwall Police and the Exmoor National Park Authority to make this partnership a success.”
For more information about the CSAS accreditation scheme please visit:
Pic shows the Exmoor National Park Ranger Team - Tim Parish, Charlotte Wray, Richard Eales & Phil Stuckey
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