This is the archived version of Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner. To view the new website click here
Banner Image

‘Your force, your priorities’ – PCC Vera Baird asks for YOUR policing priorities

18th October 2016

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, is consulting the people of Northumbria as she looks to help inform her police and crime plan.

Following on from a successful public meeting in Newcastle earlier this month, next week a further three consultations are taking place to gain public opinions from North Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead.

These consultations will help inform the priorities the commissioner sets for Northumbria Police to deliver on over the next four years. Further meetings in Northumberland and South Tyneside will take place in November.

Commissioner Baird, who is also the Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, was re-elected in May 2016 with one of the largest majorities and was one of only four PCCs to be elected on the first round.

When first elected as PCC for Northumbria, the commissioner invited residents to complete online surveys and spoke to people at metro stations, supermarkets and out on the streets to understand the priorities of local people around policing and crime.

This information was then used to set out the five priorities of the commissioner’s first Police and Crime Plan which were: putting victims first; dealing with anti-social behaviour; tackling domestic and sexual abuse; reducing crime and; building community confidence.

For each of these priorities the Commissioner identified a number of actions which have resulted in improved services for local people.

Highlights include: 91% of victims are satisfied with the service provided by Northumbria Police – the highest level in England and Wales; 10,000 fewer anti-social behaviour incidents in Northumbria from April 2015 to March 2016; domestic violence patrols continue on weekend evenings with domestic abuse experts and police officers working together to support victims.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, said: “I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made in Newcastle over the last few years such as the work to tackle legal highs and clampdown on burglary but there is still more to be done. Following my re-election, I want to refresh the Police and Crime Plan and ensure it reflects the policing needs of local people.

“My role has also been extended to provide support for victims of crime and to ensure an efficient criminal justice system. I very much welcome people’s views and I look forward to meeting people in the coming weeks so we can bring about positive change together.”

Details of all public meetings throughout the force area can be found on the PCC website.

Newcastle                             Wednesday 5th October 2016 at Newcastle Civic Centre at 6pm.   Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Nick Forbes. TAKEN PLACE

North Tyneside                    Monday 24th October, at North Tyneside Council Quadrant, Silverlink North, 6pm.  Chaired by the Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn.

Sunderland                         Tuesday 25th October at Sunderland Civic Centre at 6pm.  Chaired by Council Leader, Paul Watson.

Gateshead                             Wednesday 26th October, at Gateshead Civic Centre at 6pm.  Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Martin Gannon.

South Tyneside                     Thursday 3rd November 2016, at Jarrow Town Hall at 6pm.  Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Iain Malcolm.

Northumberland                    Wednesday 23rd November at County Hall, Morpeth at 6pm.  Chaired by Deputy Leader, Cllr Dave Ledger.

Northumberland                  Thursday 1st December,  The Kings Arms, Berwick at 6pm.

Those unable to attended are invited to complete an online survey – www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/giveyourviews or contact the office directly via enquiries@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk.