In December 1968 in two areas of Nottinghamshire an experimental system of mobile rural policing was pioneered, one of the areas being the then Harworth Section. The area chosen consisted of the Rural Beats of Carlton in Lindrick, Langold, Oldcotes and Blyth.

The Officers concerned were Pcs Dick Somerset and Nigel Spencer, both at Carlton in Lindrick. Pcs Tom Cutts and Derek Crofts covered Langold whilst the village of Oldcotes was patrolled by Pc Bob Hicks and Pc Roy Humphries patrolled Blyth.

The new system involved 24 hour cover for the whole area of the four rural beats instead of 6am to 2am selective cover for part of the area. The system worked well and immediately showed a reduction of crime together with an increase in the detection of crime, especially in the run-up to Christmas. The only downside to the experiment so far as the men on the ground were concerned was the apparent disregard that the force control room had for the mobiles involved who were treated as ‘poor relations’.

After the successful completion of the experimental trials at both the selected areas (the second being in the Nottingham South Division) the system was introduced on a Force wide basis.

The Officers concerned in the Bassetlaw trial formed a very good working relationship and some time later they decided to organize a Police Dance in the recently opened Carlton in Lindrick new village hall.

Photo: Barton Somerset

The attached photograph shows five of the Officers responsible for organizing this Dance and was taken inside the Hall fairly late on in the evening, after a very convivial time as witnessed by the smiles and glassy eyes.

l to r, Pc Roy Humphries, Pc Derek Crofts subsequently a Dc at Bassetlaw CID, Pc Dick Somerset subsequently Inspector At Mansfield, Pc Bob Hicks, Pc Nigel Spencer subsequently Superintendent.