Meet Great Yarmouth police's new bobby on the beat

PC James Norris - also known as Jim - stepped into his new role in November after serving as a responder for five years.

Before becoming a constable, PC Norris was a police community support officer, spending much of his early career in the areas he's now presiding over.  

"Originally being a PCSO in the Cobholm and Southtown area, I had some awareness of the issues residents face," said PC Norris, 47.

PC James Norris has been Cobholm and Southtown's beat manager since November. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"I've had to reintroduce myself to a lot of people in the area again and get my face known. It's been good to rekindle old contacts, as well as make new ones."

For PC Norris, becoming a "friendly face" in the area is paramount to his duty.

"It's been beneficial to get to know residents, and as time's passed, people have been coming to me more with their concerns and information," he said.

A typical day for PC Norris's beat involves him visting the area, responding to reports and building relationships with people in the area.

"It's all about being visible to the public and reassuring them that they can come to me if they have any issues or concerns," PC Norris said.

PC Norris visiting pupils from Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy. Picture - Norfolk Constabulary (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Over the past several months, PC Norris has worked with Cobholm Primary Academy and Edward Worllegde Ormiston Academy, raising awareness of antisocial behaviour and littering.

"It's been good to reassure younger residents we're not just there for the bad things. They can always come to see us and not be afraid to approach us," he said.

PC Norris has also engaged in talks at East Coast College, highlighting risks associated with County Lines and knife crime.

If you have any concerns or issues to raise with PC Norris, call 101 or stop him in the street for a chat.