UNDERSTANDING what you would pay for policing and the crimes that matter to you the most are two key areas I ask for feedback on every year. As police commissioner, I was elected to represent you on all police and crime matters. Your feedback helps me hold the force to account and ensure the annual police budget is spent on the issues that matter to you the most. I am currently seeking your views on what you would be prepared to pay for policing via your council tax bill via my annual precept survey. The survey is open for five weeks and I want to hear from as many people as possible.

For the last financial year, the increase in council tax funded the recruitment of 50 more police officers to keep communities safe, in addition to the 600 new officers pledged when I was elected as commissioner in 2021. In total, that’s 650 extra police officers; the force’s biggest-ever recruitment drive.

How much you want to contribute to policing for the next financial year helps me ensure the force delivers the service you expect. I know how important seeing police officers in your neighbourhood is and this remains my focus. Your views on where you want your money to go and which crimes matter to you the most is vital. Your priorities are my priorities, so please do complete the short survey to have your say.

In November, I was pleased to see two new laws introduced to keep communities safe. The first was the ban on nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’. I have been growing increasingly concerned about the misuse of nitrous oxide and its impact on society, specifically amongst young people. 

Previously seen as a relatively mild drug used to ‘get high’, studies have shown that use of nitrous oxide can cause neurological damage and even death due to the risk of falling unconscious or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.

In addition to the health risks, the drug’s association with anti-social behaviour (ASB) has been key to the blanket ban. ASB deeply affects communities, not to mention the environment with the litter left behind by groups abusing the drug, often in children’s play parks or high streets.

To put it into perspective, in 2020/21, nitrous oxide was the third most used drug among 16 to 59-year-olds in England and Wales according to a study conducted by NHS digital. Whilst the Office for National Statistics reported that 230,000 young people inhaled the substance England and Wales in the year ending June 2022.

From 8th November, those found in unlawful possession will face either an unlimited fine, a visible community punishment or a caution - which would appear on their criminal record. Repeat serious offenders may face a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, or both. Tackling ASB is one of my top priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which is why I welcome this common sense step.

The Government’s announcement to ban XL Bully dogs in the coming months is another stride towards making communities safer. Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the breed has been added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. From 31 December 2023, it will be against the law to sell, abandon, give away, breed or own an XL Bully dog without a lead and a muzzle. From 1 February 2024, it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.

I know owners with well-behaved XL Bullies will be disappointed, but the number of cases where this breed has caused serious injury or death warrants the introduction of stringent conditions and an outright ban. This is another positive step and gives owners and breeders a timeline to work with.