A renewed commitment to safer streets, stronger communities is at the heart of a refreshed Police and Crime Plan launched by Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth this week.

Following thousands of conversations with residents, community groups and partners over the summer as part of the Commissioner’s Community Catch up Consultation, the updated Plan builds on progress already made – while setting out a clear vision for the future of policing, crime prevention and victim support across Northumbria.

The refreshed Plan enhances areas within the original six priorities reflecting what people have told the PCC matter most, such as:

·       Engaged and Responsive Police Force – neighbourhood policing, victim contact, and officer wellbeing.

·       Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour – tackling electric motor bikes and scooters, safety on public transport, and adults taking/dealing drugs and drinking in public places

·       Serious Violence and Organised Crime – working with partners to tackle illicit trade on our high streets.

·       Violence Against Women and Girls – online crimes and behavioural change programmes to reduce harm to women and girls.

·       Hate Crime and Community Cohesion –supporting our communities at times of heightened national tensions.

·       Victims and Justice – working with perpetrators, reducing reoffending and diverting from custody.

 

It also features the thoughts and views of young people throughout and introduces three flagship programmes, where the Commissioner has committed to driving lasting change through focused leadership, partnership working and targeted investment.

Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said:

“My ambition for local people remains simple: safer streets, stronger communities – this means we have fewer victims and that more offenders are brought to justice and guided away from further offending.

“This refreshed Plan has been shaped by the people of Northumbria – it’s been a busy summer, with lots of conversations, meetings and roundtable events. While residents have told me we are focused on the right priorities, they have also been clear that there is more to do to keep communities safe and tackle the issues that matter most to them.

“We have made real progress, but we can’t stand still. I want to use the time ahead to drive meaningful change, challenge organisations to deliver and ensure we leave a positive and lasting legacy for our communities.”

Alongside its six core priorities, the Plan introduces three flagship programmes designed to make a significant and measurable difference in areas where long-term action is needed most.

Hate Crime

The Hate Crime Flagship Programme will focus on increasing confidence in reporting, improving support for victims and bringing communities together in the face of division and intolerance.

Through stronger partnerships, community engagement and new opportunities for people with lived experience to help shape policy and challenge performance, the programme aims to build safer, more resilient communities where everyone feels they belong.

Improving Women’s Safety in Public Places

Women and girls have consistently told the Commissioner they do not always feel safe in public spaces.

This flagship programme will bring together policing, local authorities, transport providers and community organisations to improve safety, challenge harmful behaviours and prevent violence against women and girls before it happens.

Supporting Women Away from Custody

Recognising that many women in the criminal justice system have experienced trauma, abuse and significant disadvantage, this programme will focus on preventing further offending, reducing the use of custody and helping women access the support they need to turn their lives around.

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth added:

“These flagship programmes are where I want to make a distinctive and lasting difference.

“They are about bringing partners together, tackling the root causes of harm and focusing on prevention, not just enforcement.

“Just as importantly, this Plan is about accountability. I will continue to hold Northumbria Police to account for delivering against the commitments in this Plan, because the people of Northumbria deserve to see real results.

“Everything in this Plan is driven by one goal: creating safer streets and stronger communities, now and for everyone growing up here in Northumbria.”

 

Refreshed – Police and Crime Plan