Head of Charnwood's neighbourhood police team moves into new role

Inspector Mark Botte said the past two years serving the community were, “An absolute privilege.”

Inspector Botte starts in a new role today with the force’s Roads Policing Unit, Tactical Support Team and drone provision while Inspector Matt Oswin will temporarily take over the NPA Commander role at Charnwood.

Speaking about leaving the role at Charnwood, Insp Botte has described the highlights of leading a motivated team, strong partnership working and appreciating the support from the communities in the borough.

He said: “It has been an absolute privilege to be the Charnwood NPA Commander. It has without a doubt been the most challenging role I have had for a variety of reasons but also a role which I rate as a career highlight.

“I have really enjoyed working over the past two years with a young, motivated workforce at Charnwood NPA. It has been very refreshing to see people develop into a variety of roles and I have taken satisfaction in helping some of the team along their journey in the police.

“I have also enjoyed being able to make a difference to local communities across Charnwood having worked closely with Loughborough University, local schools and colleges, our two MPs Jane Hunt and Ed Argar and Charnwood Borough Council, among many. There is a real appetite to work as one team.

“This was especially seen as Covid-19 hit at same time that the force was adopting a new operating model. I have nothing but admiration for the manner in which the team at Charnwood NPA adapted and still managed to provide a first-rate service to the people in the borough. Our partners in the borough were also facing the same challenges but we all came together and worked as one to ensure the job still got done.

“Over a two-year period, we have worked tirelessly to reduce the overall crime rate in the Charnwood area. We have also made huge impacts in relation to adult vulnerability, youth crime, County Lines and seen further investment from Safer Street Funding. We have also seen the new front enquiry office built at Charnwood during this time which will prove to be an absolute asset to the borough.

“My thanks also go to the people of Charnwood for the support they have given to the team. We never take this support for granted and it always means a great deal to us all.”

Insp Oswin takes over the role today and said he is looking forward to serving the people of Charnwood as Covid-19 restrictions lift and as we emerge from the pandemic that has impacted us so much over the past year.