Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is offering people in Stoke-on-Trent the chance to shape the future of policing at the most local level in their community.
Matthew Ellis is inviting residents to join three new Safer Neighbourhood Panels which will examine, challenge and shape the work of police in Stoke-on-Trent. The panels will hold Local Policing Team Commanders to account and look at wider criminal justice and community safety issues in the area.
The Stoke panels follow the success of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire-wide Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP) which was set up as part of the PCC’s ambition to make policing in Staffordshire the most open, transparent and ethical in the country.
The deadline for application has been extended for a week until 20 September for people who are interested in joining the Stoke-on-Trent panels. Application forms are available at
http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-neighbourhood-panels/
Mr Ellis said: “I want to give local people in Stoke a real chance to get involved in how their area is policed and kept safe. This is a great opportunity to directly question and challenge the local police commander.
“I make no apology for believing that truly local policing that is sensitive and responsive to the actual needs of local people is vital, It is important that the public get involved and play a significant part in that.
“The new spotlight on local policing performance that these panels will bring is invaluable in adding to the rigour I have introduced to overseeing policing.”
Cllr Jackie Barnes, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet support for housing, communities and safer city, said: “As a local authority, we encourage residents and communities to get involved and have their say.
“I am aware of these panels and am very pleased to see that Matthew Ellis wishes to know the opinions and feelings of residents.
“Open and transparent policing is incredibly important and I very much welcome people’s views being taken into account when the bigger issues of policing in communities are being decided.
“I firmly believe it is most important that residents feel safe and secure in their communities, and in turn their input is vitally essential.”
Safer Neighbourhood Panels are already up and running in Cannock, South Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, and will soon be operating in Newcastle, Lichfield and Stafford. Panels will influence local policing and community safety, scrutinise the work done by police in their area, give feedback to communities and examine the impact of community resolutions and restorative justice.
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers, from Staffordshire Police, said: “We welcome the scrutiny of Staffordshire Police’s neighbourhood policing through the implementation of Safer Neighbourhood Panels.
“Through these panels we will be more open and accountable to local people than ever before and communities are encouraged to get involved to find out how we’re policing their local area.
“We’re always looking for new ways to be accessible in the communities we serve and these panels will allow local people to help shape how policing is delivered in their area.”
Experience in policing is not required for the panel role as the PCC is interested in attracting people from all walks of life irrespective of age, disability and ethnic background. Expenses will be paid.
Anyone interested in applying to join a Safer Neighbourhood Panel in their area should register their interest at
http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-neighbourhood-panels/
