Watford welcomes new Neighbourhood Policing Inspector

A familiar face has returned to Watford as the new Neighbourhood Inspector more than 25 years after beginning his policing career in the town.

Inspector Simon Cooper (pictured right) arrived in post at the start of the month and is now responsible for leading three teams of Sergeants, PCs and PCSOs who all work to resolve quality-of-life issues for residents living in the town.

Some might say that the job is in Simon’s DNA, as he’s the second of three generations of police officers in the Cooper family. The story began with his dad who initially served with Lancashire Police before moving south and transferring to Hertfordshire, where he stayed until his retirement in 1993, and Simon’s son Jack - pictured with his Dad - has been a Watford-based Intervention officer for just over two years now.

So, what does Simon have planned for the future of local policing in Watford?

He said: “My team and I will continue working closely with partners to achieve more long-term change, reduce ASB and prevent crime using every tool available to us.

“We’ll put the needs of residents and businesses at the forefront of everything we do, listening to their concerns and letting them help shape our priorities for the area.

“In line with the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we will actively pursue criminals coming into Watford to commit crime, with a particular focus on street theft and retail crime in the town centre.”

The latest policing priorities for each of the three Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Watford can be found on the Herts Police website. (opens in new tab)

Visit our website (opens in new tab) to read all about Simon's career journey to date.