📣 A message from Sgt Sharland 📣

As I come to the end of just over five years in Neighbourhood Policing here on the Isle of Wight, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

It has been a genuine privilege to serve our Island communities since 2021, leading neighbourhood teams and working alongside so many people who care deeply about keeping the Isle of Wight a safe place to live, work and visit.

To my team – both past and present – thank you. Your professionalism, resilience and commitment day in, day out has made a real difference. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.

To our partners – across the council, education, health services, local councillors, businesses and charities – thank you for your support and collaboration. The progress we’ve made has only been possible through strong partnerships and a shared focus on tackling issues at their root. 

And most importantly, to our communities – thank you 🙌 . Your trust, information and willingness to work with us has been vital. Whether attending events, speaking with officers, or helping shape local priorities, you’ve played a key role in driving the improvements we’ve seen. Remember you can continue to shape local Policing in your area with #LetsTalk

Together, through initiatives such as Operation Spider, we’ve delivered a 49% reduction in anti-social behaviour between 2021 and 2024, followed by a further 13.5% reduction in 2025. This has gone hand-in-hand with a wider focus on early intervention, prevention, and supporting those most at risk.

Alongside this, through Operation Antidote, we’ve targeted drug-related harm across the Island, with a strong focus on protecting children from exploitation, while continuing to take enforcement action against those causing the most harm in our communities.

While I’m moving on from Neighbourhood Policing to a new Policing Role on the Isle of Wight, I leave knowing the team is in a strong position and will continue to build on this work and momentum.

Thank you again to everyone who has supported me over the past five years – it has been an honour to serve you 🫡

(My son insisted that Chase came to work with me to keep the Island safe – “Chase is on the Case”) 🐕

👮‍♂️ Sgt Sharland - East Wight NPT