Andy Vernon

Retired Policie Licensing Seargent

Born and bred in Wigan, I am a proud husband and dad of two teenage children, and I have recently retired after a rewarding 30-year career as a police officer with Greater Manchester Police.

Throughout my service, I was deeply committed to partnership working and community support. After four years as a response officer, I took on the role of local beat officer in Horwich. It was here that I first recognised the power of collaboration in tackling community issues. Following a serious assault on a local licensee, I introduced my first Pubwatch scheme, helping to strengthen communication and safety within the night-time economy.

After nearly eleven years in neighbourhood policing, I embraced a new challenge as a Safer Schools Officer, working across six high schools in the Bolton borough. In this role, I supported school communities in addressing the complex challenges faced by young people, often linked to wider social and family circumstances.

In 2013, I became the District Licensing Officer for Bolton. Over the next eight years, I developed and supported multiple Pubwatch schemes and successfully introduced the Best Bar None initiative to the district. I also championed key safety campaigns, including “Get Home Safe” and “Ask for Angela,” helping to promote safer environments for the public.

Following my promotion in 2020, I became the Prevention Hub Sergeant at Bury. There, I continued my licensing work and introduced Best Bar None to the borough, while further strengthening Pubwatch partnerships. I also refreshed and enhanced the night-time policing approach, introducing targeted anti-vulnerability patrols and working closely with partners to reduce violence and safeguard vulnerable individuals.

Now retired from policing, I remain passionate about partnership working and community safety. I am proud to continue contributing as an Ambassador for the “Ask for Angela” campaign, supporting its mission to protect and assist vulnerable people in social settings.