Walton beat bobby takes his leave

Sep 1 2009 By Rupert Basham, Surrey Herald

AFTER three years in his role as neighbourhood specialist officer (NSO) for South Walton, PC Matt Tate is stepping down to take up another post within the Surrey police.

PC Tate joined the police five years ago, initially starting in the fast response team before moving into neighbourhood policing.

During his time in the job, he has patrolled St John's Drive, played an important part in anti-social behaviour orders being granted for repeat offenders, and has built up a good relation-ship with residents.

PC Tate said: "Working in South Walton has at times been challenging but ultimately it has been a very rewarding experience.

"Although I'm excited and committed to starting my new role, it is with some regret that I have made the decision to leave.

"I have truly enjoyed my time working within this community and met some great people."

During his years in South Walton, PC Tate has been involved in a number of high profile arrests and was integral in organising schemes such as Stamp out Boredom, which encouraged young people in the area to take part in projects that would benefit the community.

PC Tate said: "I have been fortunate enough to work alongside fantastic professionals and within a great team

over the past three years and I would like to say thank you and goodbye to everyone I have met during this time.

"I feel South Walton has moved on significantly over the past few years and the team and I have worked to deal with the main priorities raised by the community."

Former river police officer PC Jim Halstead and PC Andrew Kim will be taking over from PC Tate in the job of NSO for Walton South when he takes up his new role, which has yet to be determined, in September.