As Staffordshire Commissioner, Matthew Ellis approaches his final few months in office, he shares his thoughts on policing, fire and rescue and the challenges for the professionals who strive to keep us all safe and secure across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
“The last seven years has seen crime continue to evolve, becoming ever more complex and diverse in its nature. From modern forms of slavery to online scams that strip individuals of their hard earned savings. Then there’s the scourge of child exploitation, domestic abuse and gang violence in what often feels to be a crueller society, at least parts of it. Law enforcement must however deal with atrocious crimes whilst also never losing sight of less serious harm which nonetheless can blight individuals and entire communities where it happens.
“As Government funding has shrunk over recent years, efficiencies have been driven harder and harder. Most recent, during the last year, are new collaborations between our fire and rescue service and police service which will see buildings shared as well as some support and admin services. This will help to make sure that more of the money available can be spent by both services right at the front end keeping people and communities safer.
“In 2019 I asked local taxpayers for more investment towards policing and it’s already making a difference tackling serious criminality head on, including more digital and online capabilities, new specialist Police Disruption Teams, a return to dedicated roads policing and an increase in overall police officer numbers. I’m also increasing funding to support victims. The fire and rescue service will also be able to invest more in trying to prevent tragedy before it happens with new specialist teams.
“On a personal note, I want to pay tribute to everyone over my two terms in office who have worked so incredibly hard and successfully to keep people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent safe, and the overwhelmingly professional way they have gone about doing that.
“Happy New Year.”
