I returned to Kingston Police Station in February of this year after having retired as a police officer from there in 2006. It was quite nostalgic meeting people with whom I had previously worked.However, the main purpose for the visit was to meet Paul McGregor. He is at present Acting Chief Superintendent of Kingston Borough as the Chief Superintendent Laura Nicholson is attending a Strategic Command Course.
Superintendent Paul McGregor was born, bred and educated in Surrey. He joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1987 and is currently studying for his Master’s Degree.
He initially served as a Constable at Richmond Police Station where he began to learn about the complex problems that the MPS has to deal with on a daily basis.
He continued honing his skills during subsequent postings in Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush, Clapham and Kennington-all of these areas having diverse aspects of policing.
Upon being promoted to the rank of Inspector he was in charge of a Response team before assuming the challenging role of Operations Inspector.
A promotion to Chief Inspector followed in 2002 when he was transferred to the Directorate of Professional Standards-having responsibility for the handling of complaints and the carrying out of internal investigations across Southeast London.
He was again promoted to his current rank of Superintendent in 2006 and was subsequently transferred in 2008 to Kingston Borough.
Superintendent Paul McGregor, during his twenty two years service, has not only gained vast experience at grass roots level but also the management skills required by higher ranking police officers.
He has an agreeable manner that stands him in good stead when dealing with subordinates, peers, senior officers and members of the public from all walks of life.
He believes passionately that communication, dialogue, professionalism, treating people fairly, with dignity and respect is essential to the service that the Metropolitan Police delivers to the diverse populace within its borders. He is fully aware that difficulties, misconceptions, language barriers and cultural differences have to be overcome. With this in mind he is justifiably proud of the advances that the MPS, and more especially Kingston Borough, have made in solving these problems.
Kingston Borough has the largest Korean community in the United Kingdom. Hence, it is important that the continuing positive approach taken by the Borough will lead to evermore success in the building of trust and approachability between police and Korean people.
There are sixteen Dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and Ward panels. The “Beverley Team” covers New Malden High Street to the new Homebase Superstore. I was introduced to PC Paul Humphrey who is one of two constables who work under the direction of Sergeant Steve Ring. Three Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are also employed in this team.
PC Paul Humphrey stated that dealing with the concerns of the community covered by “Beverley Team” was of prime importance-antisocial behaviour being one of them. He was full of praise for the younger members of the Korean community with whom the team have a good relationship. Older generations were slower to respond –perhaps due to the language barrier and cultural differences. However, with the willingness of Mrs Jones(an interpreter for the MPS) and a Korean resident on the ward panel barriers are coming down.
Kingston Borough continues to meet the demands of the community, for which it is responsible, through the Dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods Teams, Response Teams and other departments.
USEFUL INFORMATION
* Policing Pledge (Our promise to the public) leaflet can be obtained from any police station
* The full version of the Policing Pledge is available on the website: http://www.met.police.uk/
* On this website can also be found details of all sixteen Dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods Teams in Kingston Borough
* Beverley Safer Neighbourhoods Team can be contacted on 020 8721 2750
* Email: Beverly.snt@met.police.uk
* Kingston Police Station: 5-7 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1LB
* Telephone Number: 0300 123 1212
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