Neighbourhood Policing Profiles: PC Joseph Ayris

GMP is conducting a week of intensified Neighbourhood Policing as part of a renewed focus on tackling the crimes that matter most to our communities.

Coinciding with the national Neighbourhood Policing (NP) Week of Action, January 17 - Sunday 23 January 2022 will see a range of operations in support of GMP's hard-working Neighbourhood Officers and PCSOs.

Each day we'll hear a different voice from across the force speak about how they've worked within their neighbourhood to make a positive impact.

PC Joseph Ayris, aged 24, works out of Longsight as a school engagement officer - an important role that allows the police to safeguard pupils and problem-solve any issues with partner agencies.

The role has allowed PC Ayris to become a trusted friendly face for young people and teachers in the area while also being a first point of contact for partner agencies.

He said: "It's that initial thing of breaking down barriers, chatting with pupils and staff and familiarising ourselves with one another. From there, you're going to get more out of the relationship.

"I got involved in some football activities one of our PCSOs runs in. A lot of the kids taking part go to schools in the area that I help with.

"It's important as they're not just seeing you in a police uniform around school. They're seeing you out of uniform in your kit and helping with sessions. It's about having that relatability with them."

PC Ayris' familiarity with staff and pupils is also mirrored in the wider community - people who live in the neighbourhoods where the seven schools on his beat are sited. 

He said: "From a Neighbourhood perspective we're looking for proactive interventions, towards long-term problem solving for common issues; not just in the schools but in the surrounding areas where a lot of the children might walk to school.

"We hold seminars and focus groups to see if there are worries in the area and also likewise work with teachers to see if there any worries for their students."

Knife crime, issues around consent and personal safeguarding are some of the projects PC Ayris has dealt with over the past months.

As with other forms of Neighbourhood policing - working together with schools, councils and youth engagement providers is key to solving problems.

PC Ayris added: "It's about being a point of contact for the school to use if they have any questions related to policing perspective, or helping point them in the right direction - whether it be social services, a youth offending team or housing.

"We can be that central point of contact to ensure the school has someone to go to."