With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness is now calling for more businesses to join the fight against Domestic Abuse.

Supporting those affected by domestic abuse can often start in the workplace, and with that in mind, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness wants more businesses to take part in free training delivered by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and to join its dedicated network of champions.

Over the last few years, the workplace has changed significantly with more people working from home, but for those affected by domestic abuse, it provides a lack of escape from the harm they face. That’s why it’s so important for employers to ensure support is always readily available.

Earlier this year, Government issued further guidance which meant businesses must now consider the impact of domestic abuse, such as a drop in work attendance and productivity, as part of their wider duty of care for their employees.

This training can help staff to understand and spot the signs of domestic abuse, support someone who has disclosed abuse as well as signposting them to dedicated services who are on hand to offer crucial help and support.

With more than 2000 champions already active in the region, and the Violence Reduction Unit having released its 2023 training dates, now is your chance to get involved and play your part in ending domestic abuse.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness said: “Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and for some staff, the workplace can be their only safe haven from domestic abuse. But, we know that in recent years, there has been a huge change in the way many of us work, such as spending more time at home – a place that should feel safe but isn’t for those experiencing abuse. That’s why I’m calling for more businesses to get in touch with the Violence Reduction Unit and get their staff signed up to this vital training. There is so much that can be put in place to support staff even when they are not in the workplace”

She added: “From spotting something that doesn’t sit right to supporting a colleague who has disclosed abuse, this training and support network can make such a difference to those who need it”.

Having already taken part in the training along with other members of his team, Daniel Errington-Barnes from Eldon Square in Newcastle said: “It’s a fantastic scheme which helps you feel fully equipped to deal with a potential domestic abuse situation and most importantly, how to help that person out. You are kept up to date regularly and it is a free service – one that when the time comes, you will be very grateful to be part of. It has heightened my awareness and enabled me to be constantly on the lookout for any signs”.

For more information or to take part in the training, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

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Links below to book 2023 DA Champions training:

Stage 1 (online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491832523317

Stage 1 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-1-tickets-491881399507

Stage 2 (Online): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491927948737

Stage 2 (In Person): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workplace-domestic-abuse-champions-training-stage-2-tickets-491943926527

Vanessa Jardine is set to lead Northumbria Police’s fight against crime in Spring 2023. She is currently Deputy Chief Constable at West Midlands Police and will take up her new post following confirmation by a special Police and Crime Panel on December 13^th.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner picked Vanessa as the officer to replace Winton Keenen after hearing how the highly experienced police officer intends to deliver on plans to fight and prevent crime across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

Kim said: “When I speak to the public they tell me they want to see a force that can fight crime and prevent crime, and I am confident that Vanessa is the ideal person to continue Northumbria Police’s great work towards that aim.

“Our region is a safe one but crime is constantly evolving and we need to be ready for the challenges that brings.

“That’s why I’m delighted to have an officer with Vanessa’s vast experience joining our force.

“Our region faces great challenges in the years ahead, with economic hardship, austerity and the ongoing cost of living crisis set to push more families into difficulties and more young people put at risk of gangs and criminality.

“I know Vanessa is geared up for this challenge and I look forward to working with her on securing a great future for our region.”

Vanessa has been a police officer for over 28 years. Before joining West Midlands Police she worked at Greater Manchester Police where she served as a detective at every rank and the head of Public Protection. She was the force lead for domestic abuse, child protection and child sexual exploitation.

Vanessa was appointed from a shortlist of three following interviews held on December 2^nd.

The interview process itself was spread over two days, where all three candidates presented to stakeholders and staff panels and were then questioned by them on the first day, before then being interviewed by the Commissioner’s selection panel on the second day.

Winton Keenen will remain as chief constable in the interim period while Vanessa prepares to take up post.

BUS safety plans are being rolled out after the public told the Northumbria Police Commissioner they want to see safer journeys across the North East.

While people are overall feeling safer when boarding the bus, tackling youth ASB and responding better to complaints have been identified as areas needing improvement and Commissioner Kim McGuinness said is determined to address them.

That’s why she is investing millions of pounds in a range of solutions from youth workers across transport networks, and the Safer Transport Northumbria App, to help make reporting concerns easier.

The renewed plans follow the findings of a bus survey conducted by PCC Kim McGuinness’s office earlier this year.

Although bus users were largely positive about feeling safe on buses, many expressed clear issues with the cost of travel during what are financially challenging times for many of the region’s families. There was also dissatisfaction around local routes and the handling of complaints.

Of the issues that bus users had experienced, anti-social behaviour, intimidating groups of people on buses and in stations, and alcohol related issues were the most common.

Last year, the PCC’s transport survey found that people want public transport that is not only reliable and affordable, but safe too. While this most recent bus survey echoed these wishes, it found 72 per cent felt safe or very safe when using the region’s buses – better than those who completed the Commissioner’s public transport survey in January (42%).

The Commissioner welcomed the progress made but acknowledged there are still 28 per cent who feel less safe, something which needs addressing. Other improvements will include more patrols and support from street pastors to help look after vulnerable passengers, as well as focused operations during busy periods.

A newly formed Multi Agency Transport Team (MATT) will also bring key organisations together to support the police response, particularly around interchanges and transport hubs.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s a critical time for our bus companies because it’s a critical time for passengers. We must get bus travel right. We have a lot of plans in place to make travel safer already, which I am supporting with this investment, but with the Government grants that propped up the bus companies during the pandemic disappearing, I’m concerned about the impact on services and prices. It’s crystal clear these things matter so much to people right now.

“Let’s not forget we are one of the poorest regions in the country – cuts will undoubtedly hit us the hardest. Buses are relied on by the poorest in society. These people can’t pop to work in their car because they can’t afford one. We must get buses right. It’s one of many tools that can be used to help alleviate poverty – giving people access to opportunities and support. Poor transport only makes hardship worse and that’s not what any of us want for the people of the North East.”

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “Our bus network is really important for local people – helping people travel to access education, work or leisure opportunities in a sustainable way

“It is absolutely essential that people feel safe when travelling in the region, so I’m fully supportive of this investment to improve personal safety which I’m sure will help even more people to use public transport with confidence.”

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MORE patrols, more interventions and more education – these are just some of the plans announced by Police Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, after securing millions in what she describes as a “win for public safety in the North East.”

Whether on the bus or at the bar, the vision set out for the region, by PCC Kim McGuinness along with the local councils and Northumbria Police, is to make public places across our region safer and feel safer for everyone, particularly for women and girls.

The cash-injection for the region will fund enhanced police operations that identify and crackdown on potential offenders, as well as making sure women feel safe and get the best support when needed.

As well as an array of street volunteer, wardens and youth engagement projects, there will also be behaviour change programmes for young men who show inappropriate behaviours and attitudes towards women. People can expect to see more from the popular Fun without Fear campaign which promotes safer nights for women and the Safer Transport Northumbria reporting app will also be developed further.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “We have to accept people don’t always feel safe in some public spaces.

“It’s everyday thoughts – ‘I best not walk through that underpass; I best move carriages to avoid that intimidating bunch of guys’.

“These aren’t paranoid thoughts these are normal thoughts. They race through women’s minds. So, let’s make that underpass brighter, let’s educate that bunch of guys. We need to be doing these things and now we can. It’s full steam ahead now with rolling out this really important work alongside our local authorities and transport networks partners.”

“There is no simple fix -so our plans are about using every tool we can to keep people safe and drive ASB down. We’ve already made a start with a lot of this and I’m excited to build on it.

“Northumbria Police have had great success with Operation Cloak and my Fun without Fear campaign received brilliant support region-wide working closely with our councils and Rape Crisis. Our Safer Transport Northumbria app is now fully established for reporting concerns and flagging ASB on our transport networks. We know what works now and we are all set to build on it now. For me, securing this investment is a real win for women’s safety here in the North East.”

What does the funding secured look like?   WOMEN’S SAFETY IN PUBLIC SPACES BID APPLICATION: SUCCESSFUL ·         Enhanced night-time economy policing (Northumbria Police’s Operation Cloak) ·         Street volunteer and warden projects – reassuring presence in public spaces ·         Safer underpasses ·         Behaviour change programmes for young men exhibiting inappropriate behaviours and attitudes ·         Disclosure, awareness and active bystander training ASB ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT BID APPLICATION: SUCCESFUL ·         Continue developing and promoting the Safer Transport Northumbria APP ·         Youth provisions and days of action to engage with transport users ·         Working with partners to identify peak times and hot spots and deterrents ·         Overtime local authority, Nexus and police staff

Northumbria Police Assistant Chief Constable Neil Hutchison said: “As with previous successful funding bids, we very much welcome this latest announcement as it means we can build on the considerable work already under way to keep our communities safe.

“We are always keen to expand on these initiatives and ultimately want everyone to feel safe, whether that is while on a night out or enjoying the region’s beautiful parks and open spaces.

“We are committed to listening to the communities we are privileged to serve and working with our partners as we all come together to help ensure this region remains one of the safest in the country.”

Chief Operating Officer at Nexus, Martin Kearney, said: “We have worked in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner on the Safer Streets bid, and we’re delighted that more funding has now been secured to boost safety and security on the public transport network.

“It is vital customers feel safe on public transport at all times and we look forward to working with Kim McGuinness and our police force on taking the scheme forward.

“Nexus has invested in new CCTV and body worn cameras, and have increased the visibility of customer support staff and put in place a dedicated 24-stong security team to provide an extra presence in the evenings. The Safer Streets funding bid will really help us to build on all of this this work.

Plans are being funded following a successful bid to Round 4 of the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.

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EFFORTS to tackle crime in rural Northumberland are to be stepped up through technology upgrades, dedicated training and the continued roll-out of successful community engagement work, Police Commissioner Kim McGuinness has revealed.

More than £250,000 in funding secured by the Commissioner’s office means Northumbria Police’s latest plans to tackle rural crime and make people feel safer are being given the go ahead.

Rural crime covers a wide range of crimes from poaching and theft to ASB and more serious organised crime.

Addressing the serious impact crime can have on farmers and their families, and others who live in our more isolated communities, is high on the policing priorities list for PCC McGuinness and the force.

The enhanced rural policing plans involve encouraging reporting, working with others to prevent crime and targeted activity to pursue offenders. It will help fund new technologies covering number plate recognition and thermal imaging as well as research and practical crime prevention tools.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Northumbria Police is known for rolling out some of the best rural policing operations in the country but there is always more that officers want to be doing to clampdown on criminal activity and protect these communities. Rural policing is certainly not something that’s overlooked in our area, and we are one of few forces who have bid for funding specifically to tackle this area of work – it’s hugely important to us.

“It’s vital that officers have the tools to do the job and there are some big plans in the pipeline to improve the technology around data gathering and intelligence sharing with other members of our countryside communities who work hard alongside our policing teams to keep the area safe and fight crime.

“For me this work is about strengthening a lot of good work that’s happening already and making sure Northumbria Police continues to lead the way, making sure we are always one step ahead of criminals and responding to the needs of residents. We all want to keep pushing crime down.”

Chief Supt Janice Hutton, who leads Northumbria Police’s Harm Reduction and Communities Team, said: “We are delighted to see additional funding has been secured to build on the dedicated initiatives we already have in place to keep our rural communities safe.

“Policing these areas presents a number of unique challenges, not least due to the sheer size and sprawling nature of the landscape we cover and also the types of crimes which can occur.

“That is why it is vitally important we have bespoke operations in place to not only help prevent offences from happening but also to provide a robust response when they do occur.

“We recognise the impact criminality can have on often small, close-knit communities and we are absolutely committed to providing the very best service possible.

“The support we receive from the people who live and work in these rural areas, alongside our partners, is absolutely crucial to this – and we look forward to seeing this continue as we all come together to help ensure the region remains safe.”

£255,186 in funding has been secured through Round 4 of the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund. Plans have been supported by Northumberland Council, Farmwatch, Northumberland Fire and Rescue, Northumberland National Park and Mountain Rescue Team, and Forestry England.

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Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness’s Violence Reduction Unit has put plans in place to ramp up activity over the summer in a bid to stop spikes in violence and keep people safe.

With more people heading out to enjoy the warmer weather and the Violence Reduction Unit having already successfully piloted more activity over the Jubilee weekend and at iconic events such as The Hopping’s, it has made summer plans a key focus in the weeks ahead.

The Violence Reduction Unit aims to get ahead of the curve this year after launching its Summer Violence Fund, as part of its response to reducing crime.

Through working closely with the Community Safety Partnerships in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear to develop projects to reduce serious violence over the summer period, it has led the Violence Reduction Unit to invest over £100,000 in local communities to provide:

• Newcastle with additional staff to engage the public and young people in the City Centre as well as the parks and green spaces.
• Northumberland with a team of officers and youth workers deployed in identified areas to disrupt a rise in crime.
• Gateshead with a team to engage young people over the summer holidays to prevent increases in anti-social behaviour.
• North Tyneside with funding to enable staff to further engage with young people and provide diversionary activities.
• South Tyneside with additional resource to identify, engage and support young people in sports activities and educational sessions.
• Sunderland with youth outreach work taking place in and around the City Centre, supported by additional wardens and officers.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “Violence is unacceptable at any time of the year, and now that summer has arrived, we all want to enjoy everything our region has to offer – especially now we are seeing some normality back in our lives. But, it’s so important to me that everyone feels safe and that support is readily available to those who need it. That’s why my Violence Reduction Unit have provided additional resource throughout the summer, to engage with individuals at the earliest opportunity and prevent crime before it starts.

Assistant Chief Constable David Felton said: “As a Force, we are committed to cutting serious violence and tackling the underlying causes of repeat offending.

“Our collective approach to reducing serious violence is succeeding, as supported by national figures which show hospital admissions fell by eight per cent and 14 per cent year-on-year in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

“The number of offences involving firearms have also significantly reduced.

“This shows that the important work we are doing with partners to protect our communities and prevent these types of incident from happening in the first place is making a difference.

“We will continue to look to build on the excellent work already under way, including to help educate people about the dangers of being involved in such activity and help them make better choices.

“By working together we can continue to drive down crime and help ensure our region remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Now in its fourth year, the Violence Reduction Unit will continue its work to interrupt violence by using data and local intelligence, addressing offending behaviours, educating young people and providing diversionary activities to prevent crime by improving lives.

For more information, please contact the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit by email vru@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk

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