Can you feel the force?

I read with interest your articles on the problems of working with the police (5 December).

Here at Marches Housing Association we are fortunate to work in areas that have relatively low levels of reported crime.

This does not, however, mean we are complacent when dealing with antisocial behaviour or totally immune from the problems that affect metropolitan communities.

We have worked hard to forge and maintain effective working relationships with West Mercia constabulary at both an operational and strategic level.

Our tenants and communities will often see community housing officers working hand-in-hand with uniformed police officers, providing a visible reassurance to our communities about our commitment to providing a safe environment.

Our approach to antisocial behaviour is not just based on punitive actions against offenders.

We put time and energy into supporting a range of preventive solutions, again working in partnership with the police and other agencies and this means we have to proactively manage these relationships through an investment of time and effort at every level in the organisation.

I do not therefore subscribe to the view that there are problems in working with the police, or any other agency, just challenges and opportunities – provided, of course, that there is an organisational commitment to succeed.