I'M delighted to have been re-elected as your police and crime commissioner for a second term. With the one of the largest majorities in the country, I am deeply honoured by your support. This is an overwhelming endorsement of the work I’ve delivered to date, specifically the recruitment of 650 additional police officers, bringing back named and contactable Local Bobbies for every community and opening 10 more police stations and front counters.

The public across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight deserve a first class police service and I’m determined to provide that, building on the changes I’ve already delivered over the last three years, whilst also making it one of the best value for money forces in the country which is fit for the future.

As I start my second term as the police and crime commissioner my focus is on working with the Chief Constable to crackdown on rural crime, combat the increase in shoplifting, target large scale car meets and continue to deliver on my promise to open more police stations and front counters. I’ve already pledged to fund the recruitment of 75 extra police officers over the next 12 months which will bring the total number of extra police officers recruited to 725.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Donna JonesYou unequivocally told me you wanted to see more police on the streets and this is something I was, and continue to be, determined to deliver on. This is why there is a real need for police and crime commissioners. Whilst the role has attracted a fair dose of criticism in the past, the difference is, as your elected official, I am accountable to you. As your commissioner, I represent you and your concerns. I act as a bridge between you and the police; my role is about you having a direct say on policing in your area and holding your police force to account.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be opening the consultation to shape my new Police and Crime Plan and I want to hear from as many people as possible. By hearing from you, I can develop policies and initiatives that resonate with the unique needs of where you live. It’s vital I hear your voice on all police and crime matters. To ensure you are empowered and play an active role in shaping the future of your region, please sign up to my newsletter to get involved. 

As I reaffirmed my oath of office, I did so with a profound sense of duty and dedication to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. As your police and crime commissioner, I am privileged to serve as your advocate, your ally, your voice.