Welcome to Phil

Tell us a bit about your work background

"I was a PC with Surrey Police for 22 years only retiring 2 weeks ago. My last role was as a Youth Engagement Officer which involved me predominantly engaging with young people and trying to divert them away from the criminal pathway.

Part of my work involved me setting up a Sports fund to support young people with memberships at local sports clubs so they could channel their energies into more positive activities."

What are you most looking forward to in your role as Fearless Youth Outreach Worker?

"To be able to meet and engage with young people and to be proactive with spreading the 'Fearless' word and to set up new initiatives in the county of Surrey. 

I have a lot of ideas around campaigns and uniting young people together to help lower crime."

We encourage young people to be Fearless in speaking up about crime - what does 'fearless' mean to you?

"It's about doing the right thing and that it's better to report concerns safely and anonymously than to do nothing, and that as a young person you can make a difference."

What would you say to a young person who has information about a crime but isn’t sure who to talk to?

"That it's always important to speak to a trusted adult, however it's better to report something you're concerned about anonymously through Fearless than to do nothing. Your actions could save a life."

Who or what is inspiring you right now?

"That I can make a difference by persuading a young person's thinking around the old-fashioned attitude that being a "grass" is far worse than doing the right thing and reporting someone that's a threat towards them, their friends, other young people or adults.  If I can change that thought process then I can potentially save a life whether it's that of a victim or offender."

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

"That even the smallest bit of information can make a huge difference in preventing or solving a crime."