Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Newsletter from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner

Dear Blogger

Message forwarded by Sue Hackett, Ruyton XI Towns Parish Clerk.


From: John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner <opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk>
Date: 5 November 2019 at 09:15:02 GMT
To: <Ruytonxitownspc@icloud.com>
Subject: PCC Newsletter- Extra Officers in Your Community
Reply-To: John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner <opcc@westmercia.pnn.police.uk>

Update from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner
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Extra Officers in Your Communities 

As part of the governments pledge to to increase officer numbers by 20,000, West Mercia will recieve a first tranche of 93 additional officers.This, alongside my investment will see the highest officer numbers seen since 2012. This includes 10 extra officers at Oswestry Police Station, 10 at Droitwich Police Station and 25 based in Bromsgrove Police Station, who will make a valuable impact in their communities and wider areas. 
 
Latest news...

West Mercia Cadets Passing Out Parade 

I was honoured to attend the passing out parade for the West Mercia Cadets and see how the they have grown from strength to strength. They are a credit to our communities and I look forward to seeing their valuable contributions in making our communities safer.  

 

Read more on my website╗
 

Tackling Worcestershire Road Safety

I am partnering with Worcestershire County Council to give residents the opportunity to  improve their knowledge and driving skills as part of my road safety campaign. Driver awareness and driver training sessions begin across Worcestershire in November. 

Read more on my website╗

 

Delivering a Better Police Service

One of the topics raised when I met with the Chief Constable was reducing demand on policing to delver a better service. I am committed to ensuring West Mercia Police are delivering the best possible service. ItÆs important that the force manage demand and focus on priorities. Prevention is a key part of this, and IÆm pleased to see a range of innovative schemes and localised investments, which help people to keep themselves safe. I maintain my commitment to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure we continue to deliver this aim.

Read more on my website╗ 
 

 


Victims Benefit From Better Crime Recording 

The HMICFRS report rating West Merica Police as good for crime recording is great news for victims of crime, ensuring that in the majority of cases West Mercia is performing well, and that crimes are accurately recorded. This is testament to the officers and staff for their diligent work. 

Read more on my website

 
Hundreds More Homes Now Smartwater Protected:
 
Nearly 1000 extra homes across West Mercia are now safer after free Smartwater kits were given out across six events. With representatives from the We Don't Buy Crime team on hand to offer advice about the water based solution it was great to see the kits were so well received. I look forward to increasing the number of homes protected by Smartwater.

New Measures to Tackle Alcohol Related Violence

I welcome the new measures announced by the Justice Secretary to tackle alcohol related violence. Across many of West MerciaÆs towns and cities, alcohol related violence is an issue, which drains police resources. I welcome any measures that will help to make our communities safer. 


Read more in the Shropshire Star

Ensuring Rural Issues are Heard

A third of West MerciaÆs population lives in a rural area and I am committed to ensuring that rural issues are heard, and communities feel less isolated. My new rural crime strategy outlines how I will ensure victims of rural crime receive the resources and support they deserve.

Read more in the Whitchurch Herald╗
 

Police Complaints Drop 5% on Last Year

A report has shown West Mercia has seen a 5% drop in complaint allegations made against police officers in the last year.  The force is seeing fewer complaints, despite demand on police nationwide remaining high. In West Mercia, I have invested significantly in additional police officers and resources like body worn video. It is clear these are having a positive impact on the service our communities are receiving

Read more in the Shropshire Star╗

Citizens Sought to Help Scrutinise the Force

I am looking for citizens with a good understanding and experience of public sector legislation and guidance,  and who are politically neutral, to sit as members of the Joint Independent Audit and Standards Committee. The Committee provide independent scrutiny, transparency and help to give the public confidence of the standards in place. 

Read more on my website╗
 
Honouring and Celebrating Police Dogs

A statue which celebrates the hard work and dedication of police dogs has been unveiled outside West Mercia Police Headquarters. The statue is created from apprehended knives and decommissioned guns as well as objects that relate to the lives of these incredible creatures, such as dog bowls and whistles. I have been a vocal supporter of FinnÆs Law, supporting greater legal protection to dogs who bravely run towards danger on a daily basis. I would like to extend my thanks to the Ironworks for this incredible reminder of the hard work, dedication and bravery of the dogs

Strong Public Support For Police

85% agreed that they had confidence in West Mercia Police, according to an independent study. Whilst the latest results shows that a majority of people feel confident and have trust in their police force, there is always more to do - be it around improving police visibility, ensuring people feel safe as well as guaranteeing they will receive a good service.  

Read more on my website╗ 


Queens Speech Highlights Commitment to Victims 

I welcome the GovernmentÆs commitment to addressing crime and strengthening confidence in the criminal justice system. The Queen's speech outlined seven criminal justice bills, including tougher prison sentences, transforming domestic violence legislation and greater protection for police officers. It shows a clear commitment to victims of crime, helping them to get the justice they deserve and ensuring they get the right help and support. 

Read more in the Worcester News╗


Officers Commended  for Professionalism in Firearms Incident

I commend the bravery and the calm and professional manner West Mercia officers responded to a firearms incident. Our communities expect high standards of service and should be reassured that the investments made in body worn video, meant that the incident was clearly captured and provided irrefutable evidence which has brought the offender to justice. 

Read more on my website╗ 

Force Awarded Ministry Of Defence Accolade

I was pleased that West Mercia Police has been awarded the prestigious Gold in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme for its commitment to helping current and former members of the armed forces. 


Read more in the Shropshire Star╗

Would you like to see where the Commissioner will be this month? Check out his public engagements and community meetings on his website.