A RADICAL new approach to policing in the borough was trialed in Edmonton this week.

Inspired by the methods used in Chicago in the US over the last decade, officers were briefed by bosses on the streets of Edmonton Green, giving the public a chance to see what their local police force is doing.

On Monday afternoon, more than 30 police community support officers (PCSOs) gathered outside Edmonton Green shopping centre in Fore Street for a briefing.

In front of passers-by, they discussed the launch of Operation Tailgate a week-long initiative aimed at reducing crime and bringing community reassurance to residents in Enfield and neighbouring Haringey.

The Chicago policing strategy is being piloted in the borough and a second public briefing, also in Edmonton Green, will take place on Friday. Supt Dave Reed, leading the operation, said: "We are going to see if it works and if it is something that makes us more accessible to the public.

"If it is, we will keep doing it and look to expand it."

He added: "Officers are normally briefed confidentially in a police environment. Tasking them in front of the community they serve demonstrates exactly what we are doing locally and allows the public to inform us of their concerns.

"Officers will be highly visible, providing a reassuring presence on the streets, and will act as a deterrent to the criminals."

Police plan to publicise the timings of the meetings to give residents a chance to raise their concerns.

Operation Tailgate is a multi-agency initiative involving immigration officials, Enfield Council's trading standards officers, British Transport Police, Enfield Traders Association, Haringey Council and Enfield Council's envirocrime unit.

The operation includes the use of sniffer dogs, mounted police, high-visibility patrols and an automatic number plate reader.

Supt Reed said: "Throughout Operation Tailgate, we will use a range of tactics to reduce crime and hope to build the trust and support of local people so they feel reassured we are working towards making Enfield and Haringey safer.

"I welcome comments from the community as their information is a powerful tool in our fight against crime."