STAFF from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) are taking to the road to ask about residents’ priorities on policing and crime.
They will be setting up stalls at a number of community events and locations over the summer.
The main objective is to ask as many residents as possible about their priorities for crime and policing over the next three years in Cleveland.
Residents’ views will form part of a consultation to inform the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan for 2021-24.
Roadshow dates
Staff will be going to the following events over the summer:
- Loftus Community Fair incorporating Loftus Wool Fair on Saturday 31 July
- Family Mela Middlesbrough on Sunday 8 August
- Thornaby Market on Thursday 12 August
- Redcar Market on Friday 13 August
- Stockton Market on Wednesday 18 August
- Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, on Thursday 19 August
- Billingham Market on Monday 23 August
In addition, OPCC staff will be attending Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind event Bark in the Park, in Middlesbrough, on Saturday 18 September.
Residents’ Views are “vital”
Steve Turner, PCC for Cleveland, said: “It’s vital that we collect views on crime, policing and victims’ services from as many Cleveland residents as possible.
“Although our online survey has been running since the beginning of July, we appreciate that not everyone has access to the internet or feels comfortable about submitting their views online.
“These community safety roadshows allow staff to tell people about Cleveland’s Police and Crime Plan, ask them to complete a survey and explain how their views can contribute to the plan.
“The events also give staff the chance to tell the public about the vital work of the PCC, which makes sure policing priorities reflect residents’ needs, victims’ voices are represented and Cleveland Police is held to account for providing an effective and efficient police force.”
Steve Turner launched the draft Police and Crime Plan for 2021-24 at a meeting of Cleveland Police and Crime Panel earlier this month.
Key priorities for policing
The plan contains his priorities for policing, crime and victims in Cleveland. Steve’s priorities are:
- More police on the streets
- Effective support for victims and witnesses of crime
- Bringing offenders to justice
- Getting tough on drugs and gangs
- Tackling anti-social behaviour head on
- Preventing, tackling and reducing serious violence
- Using technology to combat crime
- Building confidence in Cleveland’s communities
- Tackling violence against women and girls
- Ensuring an effective Policing and Criminal Justice System
Proposals to improve the use of technology to combat crime include the use of GPS and sobriety tags to track offenders and the introduction of a mobile crime reporting app.
Strategic plans for policing include trebling the number of special constables and asking for a Council Tax reduction for specials, who live in the force area.
The roadshows also give Cleveland residents a chance to suggest other locations, venues and events, which the PCC and his team may wish to attend in the future.
To take the online survey, go to the following:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PoliceandCrimePlanConsultation/
For more information on the draft Police and Crime Plan 2021-24, go to the following:
Police and Crime Plan 2021-24 – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (pcc.police.uk)