New NPA Commander in Harborough and Wigston

Harborough and Wigston has a new Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander – Inspector Jim Purdie.

Inspector Jim Purdie

Insp Purdie starts in the role today (Monday) and is looking forward to getting to know the local community and working in the area where he himself grew up.

Meanwhile outgoing NPA Commander Insp Siobhan Gorman has thanked everyone who has supported her in the role since 2018, describing it as the “highlight of my career”.

Insp Jim Purdie joined Leicestershire Police back in 2002 and has worked in a number of areas across the force including frontline response, armed policing, training, in the force’s control room, custody and neighbourhood policing. His most recent role has been as a Tactical Dogs and Firearms Unit Commander.

He is now looking forward to bringing his experience to this new role and working within the local community to address the issues and concerns being raised.

He said: “I have already begun to meet partners and have received a very warm welcome. I am now really looking forward to getting to know and working with the community in the area where I grew up and where I have lots of happy memories.

“I am excited to be working with the public and partners and finding out what really matters to the local community.

“My thanks do go to Insp Gorman who has done an excellent job as NPA Commander and I wish her well in her new role.

Insp Gorman will be taking up a new role as Chief Inspector in the force’s Specialist Support Directorate.

Chief Inspector Siobhan Gorman

Speaking about the NPA Commander role, she said: “As a young police constable, my dream job in the police was to be a Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander. I will never forget the phone call from Deputy Chief Constable Nixon saying I was being promoted into the role of Neighbourhood Commander back in 2018.  I was elated, chuffed, excited, over the moon and more words besides! I always wanted to have my own neighbourhood area; to work with the community, to lead a team and make a real difference.

“I was indeed right, this is the best role in Leicestershire Police.  I will look back with very fond memories. I have met some truly inspirational people, officers and support staff; people dedicated to making their neighbourhoods and the lives of others better.

“In 2020, the policing model changed and the Covid pandemic took hold. They were huge challenges.  The community rallied around us during the pandemic which was truly phenomenal.  I will never forget their acts of kindness and support. 

“I cannot thank the team enough for their support and trust in my leadership.  We have tackled County Lines, drug offences, car key burglaries, vulnerability, rural crime, catalytic converter theft, motor vehicle theft, the opening of the night time economy and anti-social behaviour.  We have worked hard with the community bringing volunteers, key community people and partners together to address community issues. It’s not been easy but we have made huge progress. Listening and working with the community is vital. We have been on this journey together.

“This has been the highlight of my career so far. I am lucky to have had a chance in such a unique and privileged role which I now pass onto Insp Purdie. I wish him and all of the team, the very best of luck.  Thank you.”