‘Your force, your priorities’ – PCC Vera Baird asks Newcastle for their policing priorities
12th September 2016
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird QC, is consulting the people of Newcastle on Wednesday 5th October 2016 at Newcastle Civic Centre at 6pm as she looks to help inform her police and crime plan.
Chaired by Cllr Nick Forbes, the consultation will help inform the priorities the commissioner sets for Northumbria Police to deliver on over the next four years.
Commissioner Baird 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 Newcastle on 5th October so we can bring about positive change together.”
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said: “ The Police and Crime Plan lets residents across our city set the priorities they want police officers to act on.
“As a result of the last plan the PCC was able to provide a stronger voice to victims and tackle anti-social behaviour across Newcastle, among other measures. Now is the time to build on that work and set out what we as a city want from our police force.
“This is the opportunity for people to have their say on ways to improve Newcastle, from reducing the risk of crime to further supporting victims, and I look forward to working with residents on this.”
Over the next few weeks, the commissioner will be holding public meetings throughout the force area, which details available on her website.
Newcastle Wednesday 5th October 2016 at Newcastle Civic Centre at 6pm. Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Nick Forbes.
South Tyneside Thursday 3rd November 2016, at Jarrow Town Hall at 6pm. Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Iain Malcolm.
Gateshead Wednesday 26th October, at Gateshead Civic Centre at 6pm. Chaired by Council Leader, Cllr Martin Gannon.
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.
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.
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