New Boss for Partnership Trust
Thursday, 16 February, 2012
This month the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust has a new boss - although he's no stranger to the inside of a police station.
The Trust is a charitable organisation funded by money from local businesses. It finances all sorts of small and large crime prevention schemes in the community - including the much-loved Bobby Vans, a team of friendly handymen who fit simple but effective free security devices to the homes of vulnerable and elderly people.
The Trust is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and founding co-ordinator Brian Prickett is finally retiring - for the second time - and handing over to new co-ordinator Geoff Comb.
As well as the Bobby Vans, the Trust also funds the Driver Awareness scheme - training drivers and especially young drivers on how to avoid hazards on the road, and makes financial awards to other community projects, many of which are aimed at keeping young people out of trouble.
Like Brian, Geoff is a well-known face in the county who retired after 30 years of working for Bedfordshire Police in 2005. During his career he commanded Luton police division and was Head of CID, was awarded the Queen's Police Medal and played rugby for Bedford in his younger days. Three out of his four children actually work for the force too!
He'll now be based at the Partnership Trust's office in Ampthill police station - the only one of the Bedfordshire stations he never served from in his time as an officer.
"After retiring as a police officer, I spent six years working in the private sector in a variety of roles including a management consultant, as Head of Security for Camelot and also running my own limited company. This experience of business puts me in a great position to lead the Partnership Trust," said Geoff.
"This role is unique - it's my chance to not only give something back to a county that has been very kind to me throughout my working life, but also to achieve great job satisfaction."
"The fact the charity exists in Bedfordshire is a testament to Brian's dedication and I intend to continue driving the Trust forward to deliver that key principle of support. I have taken over from a very charismatic individual and I believe it is my job to make sure the charity is still going in another 15 years time," he said.
To see more about the work of the Trust or to get involved in its work, visit www.bedspolicepartnership.org or call on 01234 842612.
