AS your Police and Crime Commissioner, my role is to ensure that the voices of people in Avon and Somerset are central to the policing strategy.
Today, I’m inviting you to help shape the future of local policing by participating in several key initiatives.
I’m pleased to announce the launch of a public consultation on the draft Police and Crime Plan. This plan will set the priorities for Avon and Somerset Police through to 2029, and it’s essential that it reflects what matters to you.
The plan focuses on five key priorities:
*Strengthening neighbourhood policing: ensuring a visible police presence that actively engages with communities and tackles antisocial behaviour.
*Reducing violent crime: addressing male violence against women and girls, as well as serious youth violence.
*Preventing crime: collaborating with other organisations and the public to build safer communities.
*Supporting victims: ensuring victims receive the help they need, when they need it.
*Improving policing standards: providing a fair and effective police service.
This consultation is your opportunity to comment on the draft plan and suggest how these priorities can be implemented.
Additionally, I’m seeking your views on local police funding, particularly regarding how much extra, if any, you would be willing to contribute through your council tax.
Your insights are vital to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and concerns of your community.
The consultation is open until the end of October.
You can participate by completing the survey online or by attending one of my public forums.
The forums are attended by myself, local policing leads, and my team, providing an opportunity for us to hear from you directly.
To find out more, visit the Police and Crime Plan page on my website, www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.
Your voice matters — I look forward to hearing your views as we address these important issues together.
I recently marked my first 100 days in office. I have really enjoyed them, and I feel privileged to represent all the diverse communities of Avon and Somerset.
I have visited police teams, community leaders, charities, community interest companies, commissioned services, local authority leaders, statutory partners and business leaders in Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Somerset, North Somerset and finally Bristol.
It’s been a steep learning curve, and there has been so much to take on board, but luckily I am someone who really enjoys being in the detail and I’ve been reading reports, meeting people, having conversations and learning in greater depth about the policing issues faced by communities in our area.
Meeting the police leaders and many teams in different departments has been invaluable in developing my understanding of some of the challenges we face.
Getting out and about and meeting people face-to-face in my community engagement days has been brilliant in helping me to understand how much is being done in terms of supporting victims and working with young people to support their futures.
It has made me realise just how many excellent individuals there are in key roles and organisations, who are using their roles to really make a difference.