One local lad replaces another in keeping residents safe

Twenty-six years ago, police inspector Geoff Carter joined West Yorkshire Police to help make a difference to local communities.
Retiring Inspector Geoff Carter with incoming Inspector Paul Sullivan.Retiring Inspector Geoff Carter with incoming Inspector Paul Sullivan.
Retiring Inspector Geoff Carter with incoming Inspector Paul Sullivan.

And, as he retired from the force earlier this week, Pontefract-born Insp Carter said policing had given him “the pleasure” of working with dozens of others with the same goal.

Initially posted as a uniformed patrol officer in Wakefield, Insp Carter has gone on to spend much of his career policing the areas surrounding his hometown.

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He said: “Neighbourhood policing has been the most enjoyable part of my career and it has opened my eyes to how many community spirited people there are and how many other organisations we work in partnership with are as keen as us to give people the best quality of life that they can.”

Insp Carter finished his career as Neighbourhood Inspector for South East Wakefield, Pontefract and Knottingley, Normanton and Featherstone, and Castleford Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

He said: “It is quite pertinent that I have ended up retiring as a Neighbourhood Inspector for my hometown of Pontefract”, adding “I leave with a twinge of sadness policing is something I genuinely love.”

He thanked his colleagues for their “friendship and support”.

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Inspector Paul Sullivan, 45, will take over the reins from mid September. The South Elmsall-born Insp joined the force in 1991 after carrying out humanitarian work to help vulnerable people in Iraq communities, whilst a member of the military.

He has since worked as a detective with Wakefield CID, as a Sergeant in Dewsbury and Pontefract and as an Inspector in Leeds.

Insp Sullivan said: “Being local to the area, I am quite excited about taking the position up.

“It is a privilege to be able to come back and head up policing operations in the area where I was brought up and in the communities I have grown up around.”

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“It is only natural to want to make those communities the best places they can be to live, work and socialise.”

He thanked Insp Carter and said: “I will be carrying on a lot of good work that Geoff has already put in place but will also look to bring a few of my own ideas too.”