12 months in office, and it's been an absolute pleasure to serve our communities and work with our excellent regional partners to strive towards safer streets and stronger communities for all.
It's been a challenging but rewarding first year as your Police & Crime Commissioner - we've seen reductions in anti-social behaviour and serious violence, as well as a fall in total recorded crime. We've also seen an improvement in police response times, call handling answer times and victim satisfaction.
We also now have a Police & Crime Plan that was produced on the back of speaking to thousands of residents and understanding the issues that mattered the most to you. Residents will also be able to put their questions about policing & crime to the Chief Constable as part of this new plan - more on that below.
There is still work to be done though, however I'm extremely positive about the 12 months ahead, and the work being undertaken right across our force area. Communities are soon set to benefit from an uplift in Neighbourhood Officers through the Governments Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, and this will mean more resource to tackle the local issues that matter the most to you.
I'll keep you updated on our recruitment plans, and when we can expect to see these officers out and about in Northumbria.
Yours, Susan
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PRIORITY 1: ENGAGED AND RESPONSIVE POLICE FORCE
NORTHUMBRIA POLICE TO BENEFIT FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UPLIFT
Neighbourhood Policing is at the heart of everything we do, and I'm delighted that the Government has recognised its importance, and committed to uplifting resources locally and nationally.
As part of this, Northumbria Police has been given funding to recruit an additional 95 neighbourhood officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Special Constables over the next 12 months.
This is excellent news, and something that I know our communities will very much welcome.
The force will also be delivering a new, Neighbourhood Policing entry route as part of this uplift.
More on our uplift plans here. |
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PRIORITY 2: CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOURREDUCTIONS IN ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR & SERIOUS VIOLENCE
Since launching Project Shield, our targeted approach to tackling ASB and serious violence, the work has continued to deliver outstanding results. Notable reductions in crime, confidence and engagement up locally, and excellent collaborative work with partners taking place.
I was thrilled to bring all those involved in the work together recently to celebrate this success, but also to look at how we can go even further in Year 2 of this project.
More on the successes, and the work taking place, here. |
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PRIORITY 4: REDUCING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
NEVER STAYING SILENT, USING OR EXCUSING MEN'S VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS.
As a proud White Ribbon UK supporter organisation, my office recently came together to recognise the work we are doing to tackle VAWG, raise important funds for the charity, and also take the opportunity to join in the White Ribbon event hosted by Newcastle City Council.
As an office we are proud to support the work of White Ribbon, and tackling VAWG is one of my 6 key priorities.
We absolutely stand united in our commitment to tackling VAWG, and I am so proud of the work my office, and our ambassadors continue to do to challenge such behaviours.
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PRIORITY 5: HATE CRIME AND COMMUNITY COHESION
Last year showed us we need anti-racism education more than ever, so it was fantastic to join educational workshops at St James' Park along with 130 school kids from across the Northumbria Police force area.
Community cohesion and tackling hate crime is a top priority in my plan for safer streets and stronger communities. We need to raise awareness and engage with young people around the causes and the consequences. Yesterday this was perfectly done through football.
Thanks to Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card, we were also joined by Catherine McKinnell, Minister for School Standards and Cllr Karen Kilgour, Leader of Newcastle City Council and former Newcastle United players - Steve Howie, John Anderson and Lee Clark.
And of course, the biggest thanks to the great bunch of kids who got involved.
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PRIORITY 6: VICTIMS AND JUSTICEIt is so important that children grow up in a safe and stable environment, however we sadly know that this isn’t the case for all.So it’s vital they have somewhere to turn, especially those growing up in an environment where they’re exposed to stress, controlling behaviours and even violence.Earlier this month I welcomed an increase in funding from the Government for services supporting children affected by domestic abuse.These funds will be allocated to local services to enable them to continue their valuable work, which has seen an increase in demand. Read more about the funding announcement, and services benefitting here. |
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PUT YOUR QUESTIONS TO THE CHIEF CONSTABLE
As your PCC, I play a vital role in holding the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public. One of the key ways this happens is through regular scrutiny meetings, where I examine police performance and decisions in key priority areas. I am inviting members of the public to submit questions ahead of August's scrutiny meeting, which will be focusing on priority five and six of my Police and Crime Plan. This is your opportunity to raise issues and share your views on two important priorities: Priority 5: Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Priority 6: Victims and Justice While I may not be able to ask every individual question, all submissions will be reviewed. We will use them to identify key themes and emerging issues that need attention, helping us ensure policing remains transparent, responsive, and accountable.
The deadline for submitting questions is 16th June and I will share the response on my website and in the August newsletter.
To submit your question, please reply directly to this newsletter, including your full name and local area. Your voice matters – help us shape safer streets and stronger communities for all. |
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