New award-winning PCSO joins policing team in her home North Devon village

A newly-qualified member of the Lynton neighbourhood policing team has already won an award for her professionalism and dedication.

Alison Mercer qualified as a police community support officer (PCSO) on March 27 and has already impressed her tutors on the 12-week course, who recognised her with an award for ‘highest professionalism standard’.

PCSOs support the work of other policing teams across Devon & Cornwall Police by providing a visible presence on the streets.

They build valuable relationships with the community, working to prevent crime and to tackle disorder and anti-social behaviour.

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Alison joined the force as an enquiry officer in 2023 and has been working at the public enquiry office in Ilfracombe, then early this January she took the step to begin training as a PCSO.

She said: “I moved to Lynton around eight years ago and spent the last two years working in the public enquiry office in Ilfracombe.

“Over time, I learnt more about policing and found myself wanting a more active role, where I could make a real difference in my community.

“The experience I gained working as an enquiry officer undoubtedly helped me to build a strong understanding of the varied nature of policing and has allowed me to step into my new role with confidence and compassion.

“It means a lot to me that I can be the friendly, reassuring face that people living in Lynton can come and speak to about any concerns they have and I look forward to building stronger relationships with people living in and working in the area.”

Alison’s recent award was presented to her by Chief Constable James Vaughan, Inspector Joey Lester and Sergeant Robert Brown at the Devon & Cornwall Police passing out ceremony on March 27.

Insp Lester said: “It’s great to have Alison on board and I’m so proud of her dedication to her role, which has shone through from the very start of her career in policing.

“Most officers and staff members working in North Devon also live on the patch, which creates a strong ‘team’ dynamic that demonstrates how passionate we all are about serving and protecting our communities.

“I’d like to remind our communities that your local policing teams are here to help. Please stop and have a chat with our officers and discuss any concerns you may have.

“The more we know, the better we can deal with problems that affect you and the area you live in.”

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People living in Lynton and Lynmouth are encouraged to report concerns to police by speaking to officers, filling in a form on the force website at https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk or by calling 101.

For the latest updates and crime prevention advice, follow the Lynton team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LyntonPolice