Hampshire Constabulary

New Inspector comes aboard to lead neighbourhood policing

Press Releases

Published: 31/03/2011

There is a new Inspector at the helm of community policing on the eastern side of the Isle of Wight.

Colin Hall now has responsibility for the Safer Neighbourhoods teams in and around areas including Ryde, Bembridge, Sandown Bay, Shanklin and Ventnor.

He replaces Inspector Bill Pinnell who is moving to the mainland at the end of March 2011 to work in Hythe.

Inspector Colin Hall, who grew up on the Isle of Wight, has been in the police force since 1992 when he joined as a PC at Havant. Promotion to Sergeant was achieved at Andover in 1997 after which he also gained experience in firearms and roads policing at Fareham. He returned to the Isle of Wight in 2007 on promotion to Inspector.

Inspector Colin Hall said:  “My own background has meant I’ve never been far from the sea. I spent much of my childhood on the Island, going to Hunnyhill, Kitbridge and Nodehill schools.

“Before joining the police, I was in the Royal Navy for 14 years, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. I served all over the world on board the aircraft carriers HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious, and the type 42 destroyer HMS Cardiff.

“The past three-and-a-half years on the Isle of Wight has given me responsibility for our Targeted Patrol teams, firearms officers, the introduction of Taser, and tactics to tackle violent crime. “I’m proud to have the opportunity to be a Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector. Keeping the east side of the Isle of Wight a safe place to live, work and grow old will be a challenging and rewarding role.

“I would like to thank Inspector Pinnell for his actions and achievements as I’m extremely impressed with the existing work of the police officers and staff in your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams. They are dedicated to providing an excellent service by having an active presence in every area.

“We rely on the public to report crime so police can be most effective on duty in the right places at the right times. Thank you for your information and assistance, which is invaluable in helping us protect communities.”

Please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods teams with information or concerns you have about crime affecting your quality of life. Phone 101 or 0845 045 45 45. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. For more information about your local Safer Neighbourhoods team, go online to www.hampshire.police.uk and type in your postcode. Information about crime can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.