Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis spoke of his vision for the future of policing and the ongoing work to make policing more visible and transparent at the Biddulph Valley North Community Association yesterday (Wednesday).
Mr Ellis answered questions from the community group and outlined the progress made in the first 18 months of his role along with the challenges and opportunities facing policing and the criminal justice system across Staffordshire.
He also spoke about opportunities for volunteering through the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Volunteers bring fresh ideas, can help raise local concerns and can suggest solutions to problems. They can also act as advocates, sharing their experiences of working with the local police service within their own neighbourhoods.
He also recognised the active community speedwatch scheme is also active and is run by volunteers from the area and urged more volunteers to come forwards. Anyone interested in joining a community speedwatch scheme please speak with your local PCSO.
Mr Ellis said: “It was a fascinating discussion with members of the public who were keen to talk about local policing, volunteering and community safety in Biddulph and the surrounding area.
“Over the last 18 months what we have been doing is setting down the foundations for real change.
“There is a real sense of community sprit here and it was good to debate and answer some great questions. It was also great to see PCSOs Steve Sherratt and Karen Linton who are doing exceptional work in the area to keep the local residents safe.
