Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis met and listened to around 100 people during a day-long visit to South Staffordshire yesterday, Tuesday 25 June.
He visited areas including Codsall, Kinver, Penkridge and Saredon during the ‘Let’s Talk’ engagement event, speaking to dozens of members of the public, including victims of crime who shared first-hand their experiences of the criminal justice system.
The day ended with a public meeting at St Christopher’s Primary School in Codsall where people debated the issues that mattered to them.
The Commissioner said: “It was useful and really informative to get out and about and meet people face to face in South Staffordshire.
“I was pleased by how positive people were towards our plans to make services work more effectively together and fit around people rather than people having to fit the services.
“I heard directly from crime victims about their frustration with the fragmented system – something which I’m determined we will resolve as part of my four-year strategy which will be launched for consultation next week.
“I met PCSOs and police officers and heard how inefficient police technology is tying them to desks rather than freeing them up to be on the streets. A great example of how technology can be used was at Saredon quarry, where I saw the police drone in action to combat wildlife crime.
“This is just the start. In the coming months, I’ll be going all over Staffordshire to hear what people have to say.”
