New Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Hertsmere

New Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Hertsmere

A new Inspector has been welcomed to the Hertsmere Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).

Inspector Craig Butler has over 20 years of policing experience, having worked across Response, Roads Policing, Neighbourhood Policing and Community Safety teams. 

Inspector Butler will be responsible for overseeing the three teams that make up Hertsmere’s NPT; Bushey and Radlett, Potters Bar and Shenley and Borehamwood and Elstree.

Made up of police officers and PCSOs, they are all responsible for tackling long- and short-term neighbourhood issues and work closely with local partners such as the council.

Speaking about his new role, Inspector Butler said: “I’m really looking forward to getting to know Hertsmere, meeting the communities who live and work here and understanding the issues that matter most to them.

“Neighbourhood policing is all about building relationships and working together to solve problems. I’m looking forward to working with Hertsmere Borough Council and our other local partners who all play a role in keeping the community safe. I’m particularly keen to improve road safety across the borough, using enforcement and education to tackle issues such as speeding and dangerous driving.”

One of Inspector Butler’s highlights since joining the constabulary in 2006 was the partnership work to protect women and girls in Watford following the COVID-19 lockdowns. This included introducing a ‘safe zone’ at Pryzm nightclub. It meant anyone feeling vulnerable, unwell, or unsafe could speak to security or get medical assistance in a dedicated support hub.

Inspector Butler said: “That work showed what can be achieved when police, local authorities and other partners come together with a shared goal. It made a real difference and remains one of the most rewarding parts of my policing career.”

Looking ahead to his new role in Hertsmere, he added: “Please tell us about the issues affecting you. We rely on information and feedback from the public to help us identify concerns, target our resources effectively and make a real difference in our communities. If we don’t know about it, we can’t do anything about it. By working together, we can continue to make Hertsmere a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Inspector Butler replaces the newly promoted Chief Inspector Rachael Robertson. Outside of work, he is a keen American football fan and enjoys going to the gym and walking his dog.

You can keep up with the Hertsmere Neighbourhood Policing Team by following their Facebook page: facebook.com/hertsmerepolice