Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis says 2016 could be a defining year for policing and is keen to update local community groups as part of his ongoing engagement activities.
The Commissioner wants to visit local groups across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to speak about the progress made so far and plans for the future to make sure the police respond appropriately to demand and victims are at the centre of the criminal justice system.
Mr Ellis said: “Speaking to more than 20,000 people since I started as Police and Crime Commissioner, at supermarket surgeries, Let’s Talk events, community groups and other meetings and events, has been invaluable and allowed people to raise issues on their minds.
“2015 saw a lot of changes and developments with work to make policing better, holding it to account and making it more responsive to the communities it serves.
“So, even if your community group had a visit from me 12 months ago or less, there’s a lot to update you on now.
“2016 will be important, possibly a defining year, for policing across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Police officers are having to deal with crimes that are more and more complex including child sexual exploitation, cybercrime and terrorism but it is also about keeping the balance so that policing keeps a traditional approach to communities, reassuring the public and not forgetting other crimes that may be less complex but still have a real impact on people.
”There’s also been new technology introduced to support frontline policing and ongoing work to increase officer visibility in communities.”
Mr Ellis continued: “The public can now hold local police commanders to account and examine and shape the work of policing in their areas through the Safer Neighbourhood Panels, which have been established in Staffordshire, with more set to be introduced in 2016.
“People can also be part of the independent Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP) which was set up as part of work by my office to make policing in Staffordshire the most open, transparent and ethical in the country.
“Ultimately, however, my office needs your views on crime and safety so that I am able to work with communities and find out what the issues are in your area to make a difference.”
Community groups can contact the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office on 01785 232270 or email pcc@staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk . They can also write to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Staffordshire Police HQ (Block 9), Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0YY.
To read more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s key priorities in his Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy click here
