NORTHUMBRIA’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth is calling on residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on policing priorities for the next two years – as part of a summer engagement programme to ‘catch up’ with local people.
Today (Wednesday 08 July] a short online survey has gone live to mark the start of a refresh of the PCC’s current Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities. The role of the PCC includes ensuring policing reflects the needs of local communities. The survey gives local people the opportunity to say whether the Plan’s priorities still reflect the issues that matter most to them.
This online survey is being supported by a range of consultation opportunities mapped out over the next few weeks including roundtable events covering rural crime, youth voices and community cohesion, as well as visits to partner organisations such as Age UK, Pride Action North and North Tyneside Disability Forum. Through the conversations that lie ahead, the PCC hopes to gather a broad range of views and opinions to take forward in future planning.
The survey has already been forming part of meetings and strategic boards held by the office, and is also taking place on the street with the PCC joining police officers alongside the engagement van – chatting to people waiting for the bus, out shopping or picking up children from school.
It is hoped the refreshed plan will bring all these insights together to build on the existing priorities, while also reflecting any new views and concerns raised by local people or evidenced through crime and performance data monitored by the PCC.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth, said:
“My Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities was built on what our communities told us was important when I first took post. Those priorities we are delivering on – and they continue to guide my office’s work with Northumbria Police and our partners, but no plan should stand still and it’s my job to check we remain on the right path.
“That’s why we are calling it a ‘catch up’ – because listening to people is an ongoing commitment of mine. As our communities change, policing needs change and our understanding of priorities should evolve too – and that updated understanding is what I am setting out to achieve through this period of consultation.
“My role as PCC is still here for another two years and I still have a job to do. Now is the right time to ask whether we’ve got our areas of focus right for the years ahead. I am basically asking people – whether it’s out on the streets or in meetings: are we still focused on the right issues? Have new concerns emerged? Are there areas where we should strengthen our approach?”
Susan continued: “I know motorbike disorder is an ever-growing issue, residents are regularly reaching out to me around response times, and matters relating to violence against women and girls still accounts for a fifth of crimes. These are all things that I know will come up, and we are working to tackle them. Whatever it is that I need to know about – I want to hear about it.
“By taking part in this refresh consultation, people can help ensure the plan continues to reflect the realities and challenges of life across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear so we can work together to tackle root causes and make improvements to help towards achieving safer streets and stronger communities.”
The PCC is encouraging everyone to take part by completing a short survey which is open until 31 August, and everyone who lives, works or studies in the Northumbria Police force area is encouraged to take part.
Residents can complete the survey link here Those wishing to respond via post or telephone can do so by calling 0191 2219800.
