Jump directly to the content
Border Force

Which UK town is so overrun by eastern Europeans that it needs the country’s first ever Immigrant Cop?

Half-Polish female officer PC Emma Carlin will 'break down barriers' and produce a guide to Brit laws and culture

A UK town has become so overrun with eastern Europeans that it's had to appoint the country's first immigrant cop.

Lincolnshire Police has recruited half-Polish PC Emma Carlin to deal exclusively with foreign communities in Boston.

 Half Polish PC Emma Carlin hopes to 'break down barriers'
4
Half Polish PC Emma Carlin hopes to 'break down barriers'
 Figures show 10.6 per cent of the Boston's population of 65,000 comes from one of the 'new' EU countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia or Romania
4
Figures show 10.6 per cent of the Boston's population of 65,000 comes from one of the 'new' EU countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia or Romania

The town was named 'the most divided in Britain' after the 2011 Census revealed it is home to a higher proportion of eastern Europeans than anywhere else in England and Wales.

PC Carlin, 34, who was born in Nottingham, said she wants to help "break down barriers".

The officer of ten years added: "Quite a few people from migrant communities seem to be afraid of police and talking to the police.

"Because of this perception from themselves and their community, people don't like to be seen helping the police or getting involved.

"We want people to feel confident we can help them."

 Locals are divided on whether the Immigration Cop is a good idea
4
Locals are divided on whether the Immigration Cop is a good idea

Figures show 10.6 per cent of the Boston's population of 65,000 comes from one of the 'new' EU countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia or Romania.

PC Carlin will visit shops, factories and residents with two interpreters who speak Lithuanian, Polish and Russian.

The will produce a "newcomers' booklet" to educate people about the country's laws and customs.

She said: "The first few months will be finding out what their issues are, rather than thinking we know what they are."

 Signs in the town reflect the diversity
4
Signs in the town reflect the diversity

Some residents have criticised the move, saying it gives special treatment to immigrants and creates friction between them and foreigners.

Recruitment consultant Andrew Jenkins, 50, said: "Boston residents are fed up to the back teeth with being the nation's go-to town for immigrants but this is a step too far.

"If immigrants want to come here then they should be willing to learn the language, our laws and our customs and be accountable to our police force.

"What Lincolnshire Police are doing is divert resources away from the majority population who have lived here all our lives, and given it to a minority who shouldn't receive special treatment."

Business owner Jim Stevens, 40, added: "It's laughable and just goes to show how frightened the police are of upsetting immigrants at the expense of the rest of us.

"I can't see any eastern European country giving me my own designated police officer if I moved over there."

Topics