A new partnership between the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham Police will see increased community support on our campuses and surrounding student areas.

This partnership is one of the deliverables that comes from the Nottingham Student Living Strategy, which underwent public consultation earlier this year. It’s part of a drive to enhance student support and safety, reduce crime in student areas, and promote safety while building police trust in our staff and student communities.

Each university will have two dedicated Police officers. At the University of Nottingham, Paula Hipkiss and Nick Lewis have been chosen by representatives from the Police, the university and the Students’ Union.

They will be based in the Student and Campus Life Directorate with day-to-day work taking place within the Student Living Community Engagement Team.

Paula Hipkiss, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), has been with Nottinghamshire Police since 1990 and has spent 14 years working as a PCSO in Beeston.

Paula said: “Having been based in Beeston, I have worked with many students off campus. I am eager to engage with staff and students on the various campuses and become a familiar and approachable face. During my thirty-four years policing, I have taken many opportunities to improve my knowledge and skills. I am looking forward to this new opportunity to help students feel happy and safe during their university experience.”

Nick Lewis, Police Constable (PC) joined Nottinghamshire police in 2010 and has spent the last nine years based in Nottingham city centre working in response policing.

Nick said: “After many years working on the Response Unit in Nottingham City Centre and engaging with students on an almost daily basis, I am extremely happy to be a part of the University Police team and hopeful for the future of the project. I have a lot of experience engaging with students participating in the night-time economy and I have supported them in instances when they have unfortunately been victims of crime. I am now looking forward to being that familiar face that students frequently see and can get to know and trust.”

The partnership marks a new approach between the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and Nottingham Police in making a formal commitment to working proactively together on shared priorities. It’s a valuable opportunity to help build on our vibrant, positive communities.

Vikki Welch, Associate Director of Student Living, said: “We are honoured to have this calibre of policing joining the University of Nottingham and their support to our communities will be invaluable.”

Paula and Nick will be friendly faces on University Park, Jubilee Campus and surrounding residential areas. Although their work will not replace the activities of our Security Team, they will be involved in delivering student security campaigns. They will also be able to offer advice to both staff and students who have questions about reporting incidents, or general security.

Watch our reel to get to know Paula