Focus on Milnrow and Newhey: PCSO Angela Smith

PCSO Angela Smith

Angela Smith, 48, has been a PCSO for the past two years.

Before joining the police Ms Smith worked for the Oldham Youth Service and taught dance and drama in theatre schools and primary schools.

Ms Smith explained why she decided to become a PCSO: “I joined the police because I have always worked in the community, and recognise the impact positive actions have on a community as a whole.

“Working with the youth service and in schools has given me the skills to engage and communicate with young people promoting community cohesion and being able to make a difference within the community.”

When asked what she likes most about her role as a PCSO, Ms Smith said: “Engaging with members of the public and making a difference to there lives, from the children and young people in our schools to the elderly members of our community. Every day is different and I look forward to new challenges and resolving them.”

Ms Smith, along with her colleague, PCSO Alan Shaw, received a Divisional Commander's Award for rescuing a male from a kitchen fire, and preventing him and others from re-entering the building.

Ms Smith and the male rescued from the fire were treated for smoke inhalation following the fire.

Part of Ms Smith’s as a PCSO involves working with the schools in Milnrow and Newhey, she said: “Being able to give presentations and talks in the schools has been fantastic and beneficial to the community. Having this involvement with the schools means that most of the children and young people know who I am, so it’s great when I am out and about in Milnrow and Newhey and they recognise me as there local PCSO and someone they can talk to.”

Ms Smith hopes to continue as a PCSO, she said: “I love my job and the close contact I have with the community.”

The people of Milnrow and Newhey are Ms Smith’s favourite thing about the area, she said: “Milnrow and Newhey has a very diverse community and after spending two years with the people there I have got to know them very well. So the people of Milnrow and Newhey are my favourite thing in both areas.”