AS commissioner, one of my core roles is to oversee the police budget, which includes setting the council tax precept and utilising central government funding opportunities to bolster crime-fighting capabilities in your neighbourhoods.

Earlier this year, I opened applications for my emerging needs fund; a funding round of small grants focused on making sure local communities get the support they need to combat local issues. I have just announced more than £80,000 will be given to police and partners to target rural crime, and crime in rural communities.

I’m highlighting the boost to local initiatives because as your police and crime commissioner (PCC) I was elected to be your voice, to be the link between police and communities, and to ensure the force delivers the service you expect. The role of the PCC in the criminal justice system has grown and I have a strong focus on prevention to reduce crime now and into the future.

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It’s no secret in the last 10 years police resourcing has been dramatically reduced. However, the expectation on policing has sky-rocketed. Online crime has exponentially increased; police have been left to manage people in mental health crises; along with the declining number of bobbies on the beat has no doubt affected confidence in policing.

Whilst there is no overnight remedy, changes are already being made.  

As your commissioner, I ensured the force surpassed its target of recruiting 600 more police officers in March 2023. I have also set in motion the recruitment of 50 more police officers in the 2023-24 budget. In addition, I have pledged to reopen a number of front counters and promised all communities will have named and contactable ‘Local Bobbies’ in each neighbourhood by April 2024.

Collectively, these changes are setting the constabulary firmly on the path to success. But, this is just one part of the puzzle.

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In July I was voted the chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. Nationally, I have pledged to restore trust and confidence and reset police-public relations. I have also set out how I want to support PCCs to develop bold and intuitive solutions to the problems faced in communities and ensure the public know who we are and how we can help them.

This brings me full circle back to my emerging needs fund. The funding totals nearly £84,000 and is being awarded to 10 projects, including re-deployable Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, thermal imaging equipment for police dog units, a recruitment drive for more volunteers to join Mounted Rural Patrol, and a weekly youth club in Micheldever village run by Winchester Street Reach which steers young people into meaningful activities and away from offending behaviour.

The police can focus on their core function when they have the right tech and the right support from providers. As your commissioner here in Hampshire, I will continue to respond to local requests for support and commission a range of initiatives to reduce offending and improve criminal justice.

My ongoing vision is to ensure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary deliver a best-in-class policing service for years to come.