Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Residents in West Devon have a new Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and she is looking forward to her next challenge.

Debbie Hollinson has worked as a PCSO in Plymouth for the last five years and is swapping the city life in order to learn new skills and understand what policing is like in Tavistock and the surrounding rural areas.

This summer Debbie, who lives in West Devon, was named PCSO of the Year at a special awards ceremony in Exeter and received her accolade from Devon & Cornwall Police Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell. The June event was organised by the Museum of Policing in Devon and Cornwall and saw a total of 22 awards presented to Force colleagues who have demonstrated excellence in their field.  

Debbie, used to live in London and always wanted to work for the ‘boys and girls in blue’ but was initially unable to join the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Service thanks to (now redundant) height restrictions. When she later re-located to Devon she took the opportunity to join the local Force as a PCSO.

Debbie explained: “One of my early role models was my mother’s Godmother who was a Special Constable in London in the 1970s. I remember her as an amazing woman, an early women in policing pioneer. She was very different to many of the female role models I had around at that time and hearing her talk about her volunteering obviously had a big effect on me.

“During my time in Plymouth I have built and worked closely with partner agencies to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and street drinking. It is important that we look after the vulnerable people in our communities, without judgement and with compassion. They come from all walks of life.

“Locals want to see us out and about on foot patrol, being approachable. They want to be able to stop and talk to us, tell us their issues. During the last five years I got to know a lot of residents, holiday makers, business owners and those who commute to the city for work. I plan to continue this style of policing on my new patch – good old fashioned neighbourhood work.”      

In her spare time Debbie likes to raise money for charity and for one of her latest ventures she persuaded A/Chief Constable Colwell to join her in abseiling 110ft from Meldon viaduct in Okehampton. Their daring efforts resulted in vital funds being raised for Pete’s Dragons – a charity which helps those bereaved or affected by suicide. 

The officer has another adventurous charity challenge idea up her sleeve but is keeping it under wraps for the time being. Meanwhile she is enjoying getting to know her new communities in West Devon and listening to their concerns or questions.  

Debbie can be seen out on foot patrol in Tavistock and nearby villages with the local team of Police Constables and her fellow PCSO Kevin Williams. The West Devon neighbourhood police teams are led by Inspector Nathan Walker and Sergeant Tom Ottley.   

Officers aim to be at as many local events as they can, such as Walkhampton Farmers Market on Saturday 2 November between 11am and 12 midday and Tavistock Dickensian evening with festive lights switch on and late-night shopping which takes place on the evening of Friday 6 December. Why not come and have a chat with the officers. Keep an eye on the West Devon Police Facebook page for further updates. 

For more updates on the West Devon neighbourhood officers please visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk