Camden New Journal - News: ‘Yellow-jacket’ squad move in on the dealers

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Camden New Journal - by SARA NEWMAN
Published: 18th October 2007

‘Yellow-jacket’ squad move in on the dealers

But traders say: ‘We need real police’

CAMDEN Town is to be flooded with police community support officers in the latest bid to drive drug dealers off the streets.
The new team of 18 men and women is due to be launched tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.
But, as the officers prepare for a photo-shoot alongside Liberal Democrat council leader Councillor Keith Moffitt and Borough Commander Mark Heath, traders say that what the area really needs is fully-trained police officers.
There will be 10 freshly-trained police officers patrolling the streets around the station.
But tomorrow’s launch of the anti-drugs drive will focus on how the Town Hall has forked out £300,000 to pay for the new police community support officers (PCSOs).
Cllr Moffitt said it was because late-night shift workers live in fear of attack – as highlighted by a New Journal investigation last week – that the council is bringing in extra support.
He said: “We have listened to residents’ calls for strong action to be taken against the drugs market in Camden Town and we have responded by making this significant investment in a strong police presence.
“The council can now kick-start a focused and co-ordinated effort to break the drugs market and make real progress towards a safer Camden Town for all.”
Cllr Moffitt added that concerns over the lack of police presence between 3am and 6am had been discussed with Chief Superintendent Heath.
Twenty police officers and 30 PCSOs will now be assigned to Camden Town.
Inspector Paul Morris said: “PCSOs are not there to replace police officers, but to support them. It is not intended they will be working late at night as we want them working in the community during the day.
“The intelligence they gather can also be used to obtain anti-social behaviour orders. All of these things will disrupt the drugs market.”
Police say they are hoping to improve their relationship with local businesses.
Andy Morrice, 37, who runs the British Boot company next to Camden Town Tube station, said: “Police officers are fine but these men in yellow jackets do not have any power of arrest and do not command any respect at all. They are a cheaper version of police officers.”
During the five years he worked as a sandwich board man, he saw the drug dealers at work.
Mr Morrice said “It’s systemic. They have learned over generations it is an easy way of making money.
“The people you see selling drugs on the street are not actually selling drugs they are scamming tourists.
“Another reason we have a major problem here is because we have shops selling alcohol 24-seven.”
Vimal Tadvi, 29, who has worked in Caffe Silver in Camden Road for two years, said he has seen dealers arguing with community support officers.
He said: “We need real police around the clock. People feel the community officers are useless.”

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Will these CSOs be making sure the dealers don't just move somewhere else? There are lots of dealers on Eton College Road.
Dave Smith