Penzance and Camborne Boost Community Safety with New Officers

Two New Tri-Service Safety Officers Join Local Teams

Penzance and Camborne have welcomed two new Tri-Service Safety Officers (TSSOs), with one officer now stationed in each area. These roles, which combine expertise from the police, fire, and NHS services, are aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and improving community safety across both towns.

What Are TSSOs?

TSSOs are specially trained officers who draw on skills from all three emergency services: police, fire, and NHS. Their work focuses on early intervention, prevention, and operational response. This versatile role also involves problem-solving through multi-agency collaboration, ensuring that the needs of the community are met in the most effective way possible.

The two new officers, Andrew Martyn in Penzance and Yasmin Matthews in Camborne, are set to support efforts in deterring unwanted behaviour and strengthening ties with the community. Both are based at their local police stations and will work closely with neighbourhood policing teams, conducting joint patrols and engaging directly with residents, business owners, and visitors.

Hotspot Policing and Foot Patrols

The TSSO roles are part of a broader community safety strategy and are jointly funded by the NHS, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (via Cornwall Council), and Devon & Cornwall Police. The police contribution is supported by hotspot policing funding from the Home Office, which Devon & Cornwall Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner secured.

As part of their duties, Andrew and Yasmin will carry out dedicated hotspot patrols, designed to deter and disrupt criminal activity through regular foot patrols in key areas. These patrols will also allow for direct interaction with the local community, ensuring that concerns can be addressed quickly and efficiently.

Meet the New Officers

Andrew Martyn, the new TSSO for Penzance, brings a wealth of experience from his previous role. He said, “Joining the team at Penzance is something I’m really proud of. In my previous location I have found the role really beneficial to the community. Due to Penzance being a larger town, it will perhaps require an even more dynamic approach, with lots of multi-agency collaborating and utilising the best resources available.”

Photo: TSSO Andrew Martyn: Andrew Martyn, Penzance’s Tri-Service Safety Officer.

In Camborne, Yasmin Matthews is excited to begin her role as the town’s TSSO. She stated, “Working alongside colleagues in Police, Fire and Health to problem solve complex issues in a smart and efficient way is something that I find rewarding. I previously worked in a rural location, so I am looking forward to working in a busier area and utilising the additional resources this brings.”

Photo: Camborne TSSO: Yasmin Matthews, Camborne’s Tri-Service Safety Officer.

Strengthening Local Efforts

Street marshal patrols have already been introduced in both towns as part of the hotspot policing approach. The addition of TSSOs further bolsters this effort, providing an extra layer of resources to help deter unwanted activities. There are now 15 full-time TSSO positions across Cornwall, all dedicated to keeping communities safe.

Photo: Camborne TSSO patrolling: The TSSOs will be carrying out hotspot patrols to deter and disrupt crime, as well as engage with members of the public.