North Middleton

Michael Barton is a Chief Inspector and Neighbourhood Lead for Rochdale Borough, bringing almost two decades of policing experience gained across complex and challenging operational environments in Northern Ireland and, more recently, Greater Manchester. He has extensive experience of leading people and policing activity in demanding environments, managing operational demand and driving improvements in performance and service delivery. Michael is focused on visible, problem-solving neighbourhood policing, strong partnership working and ensuring resources are directed towards the issues that matter most to local communities. His leadership approach is centred on delivering tangible outcomes, developing people and maintaining public confidence through effective, accountable policing.

Neighbourhood Inspector – Middleton and Heywood
Hello, my name is Graham Cooke and I am the Inspector for the Local Neighbourhood Police Team for Middleton and Heywood.
I have been a police officer for over 24 years, all of which has been spent on the Rochdale district in a variety of roles, however the majority of my service has been spent working as a neighbourhood police officer.
As a neighbourhood Inspector my role is to locally deliver GMPs vision of neighbourhood policing. This includes community engagement, targeted activity, enforcement and problem solving with our partners.
My current priorities include:
• working closely with colleagues to tackle anti-social behaviour
• investigating neighbourhood crime incl burglary, robbery, vehicle crime and shoplifting
• targeting the use of illegal off road and e-bikes
• targeting the manufacture and supply of controlled drugs

I am PS Tallis,
I joined the Middleton Neighbourhood Team in September 2025, bringing experience from various policing roles. With a background in response, Organised Crime Group (OCG) teams, and the Tactical Aid Unit, I have picked up skills throughout my career that now assist me in my current role. I find neighbourhood policing to be the most rewarding role, allowing for proactive measures to prevent crime and fostering strong community relations. Through active engagement and collaboration, I am committed to building community confidence and ensuring a safe environment for all residents.

Hello, I'm Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Oliver, and I've proudly served as a PCSO for 18 years. My extensive experience has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the community I serve, and I am committed to engaging with local residents to address their concerns and improve neighbourhood safety.
I enjoy communication with local residents and am always approachable, making it easy for community members to share their issues and insights with me. My role involves high visibility foot patrols, problem-solving, and maintaining community contact, all of which are essential components of effective Neighbourhood Policing. I am dedicated to providing reassurance and gathering local intelligence to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, ensuring that the community feels safer and more secure.

I am PC Lainton, I joined the Middleton Neighbourhood Team at the beginning of 2025 after a number of years on response, I bring a proactive approach to community policing. With a keen interest in traffic-related policing, I am dedicated to ensuring road safety and addressing traffic concerns within the community. Known for engaging positively with residents, I value open communication and strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all. Through active community engagement and collaboration, I am committed to understanding and addressing the needs and priorities of the Middleton area.