From the frontline – safer neighbourhoods officer Rachel Slater

Tell us about your job.

In a nutshell, I’m like a housing police officer with civil powers. My role involves dealing with serious criminal and anti-social behaviour and taking appropriate enforcement action, such as serving notices, compiling witness statements and gathering evidence. Evidence gathering can involve covert operations at properties, including going through bins and looking for evidence of who has lived at a property.

I deal with tenancy breaches too, which can include sub-letting. I also work alongside the police. I liaise with them regarding gangs impacting housing management functions, help execute warrants at properties and attend crime-related meetings.

How did you get into housing?

I initially joined WM Housing in 2010 as a response officer on the safer neighbourhoods response team. My current role is a complex one, which can be challenging at times but I love the enforcement part.

Even my career background has predominantly been in the enforcement area. My first role was at a magistrates’ court where I trained as a clerk, then I served for 10 years with Durham Police and West Midlands Police.

What happens during a typical day?

I can have my whole day planned out and then a call will come in and I must act immediately. One example was when I was in court one morning for a case wearing a suit and heels, then by afternoon I had a hard hat and hi-vis over them as I was speaking to contractors.