Firstly I'd like to introduce myself.  For those who don't know me, my name is Martin Baker. I have been for 3 years with teams based at Reddish, The Heatons, Cheadle and Bramhall areas.

I have been with GMP for approaching 20 years having started my Policing career in Cwmbran in Gwent in 2000. Throughout my career I have worked in many departments and units such as CID, TAU, Custody Units, Response and for the last 3 years the Stockport West Neighbourhood.

What the last 3 years have reinforced for me is that neighbourhood policing is all about the people – our force, our partners and our communities. I believe strongly in the power of building relationships and networks to overcome problems that face our communities. I want my team to know their beat inside out and back to front – know the people – know its struggles and have a plan for how to make things better.  Our job is to target offenders, support victims, and work with you all to prevent incidents and make your areas safer.  

A big part of Local Policing is about protecting the vulnerable people in our area – but recently someone asked me what that actually meant, and it’s such a big question that giving a short answer is difficult.  The most concise summary I can give is this: it’s looking after the people who either can’t, or are too afraid, to look out for themselves.  It’s akin to sticking up for a younger kid against the school bully and stepping in.  Except the school bully might be a dangerous loan shark, or an organised crime gang.  Unfortunately, sometimes the younger kid is literally just that – a young kid.  One that gets manipulated or intimidated into selling drugs for an OCG.  Or maybe it’s a young, single woman who’s got some debts, and she gets talked into holding weapons for a bit, just so she can meet her payments, and before she knows it her house – her whole life – isn't her own anymore.  Who’s going to step in and help? Tell us what’s going on in your area. Tell us who’s responsible.  Let us help.  

I need to say though, because I’d be doing a huge disservice to Stockport West if I didn’t - we absolutely don’t intervene alone. We partner up with amazing local charities and organisations whose work is life-changing in those situations.  It’s something I particularly like about Local Policing – you're working together with the community to make things better – you're a part of something bigger.   

Thanks for reading. Keep in touch and stay safe.