An MP joined forces with Cheshire Police to witness first-hand the work officers do to keep the streets safe.

Tatton MP Esther McVey started work on Friday with the day shift as part of the Police Service Parliamentary Scheme.

She said: “It was important to me to take part in this scheme and see first-hand the good work our police forces do and the issues they have to face. We all need to work together to do anything we can to stop crime. Politicians need to be informed and understand so we can work with Police and the public to tackle any problems in our area.”

The scheme was started to allow MPs the chance to experience the world of police and aims to help politicians understand the varying work officers do so they can take that knowledge back to Westminster to lobby ministers, participate in debates and use that knowledge to support their local force. 

Ms McVey added: “It was a fabulous day and a privilege to be able to go out with officers and attend so many briefings. The first was a 7am crossover from the nightshift where issues that have come up were discussed. I then went to more meetings at 8am and 8.20 with CID and Inspectors, which allowed me to understand how the different departments and teams work together.

“The entire force was fantastic and I want to thank Detective Inspector Liam Furlong and his team for allowing me to spend time with them out and about in the constituency seeing what the Police do day in day out.”

Ms McVey went out with the response unit to various calls throughout the day, including a car crash on School Lane, Hartford where the ambulance was also in attendance and helped officers coax a bull standing in the middle of the road back into the field. She also experienced work officers do in communities following up on incidents. 

She added: “In just one day I experienced a variety of things our officers do, and witnessed real community policing and the impact that has. We went on a few home visits which were follow ups from domestics and other incidents, in addition to the emergency calls. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and I am looking forward to my next shift.”

As part of the scheme MPs complete 22 days of service with their local force.