Making us all safer from cybercrime a key aim

Iwas elected as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) over 17 weeks ago. Over the last four months, work has continued to gather momentum and there is much more to be done to ensure local people are receiving the best possible police service.

I have been reflecting on the milestone of the first 100 days, and I wanted to share a few of the key successes my team and I have achieved so far.

I have taken on the role as national lead PCC for the Economic and

Cybercrime portfolio. I will be working with representatives from City of London Police to understand the challenges in identifying and bringing offenders to justice.

My overall ambition is to make everyone more resistant and resilient to cybercrime and ensure nowhere is safe for criminals who commit this crime in the UK.

I have also taken on the role of Chair for the Local Criminal Justice Board and will be working in partnership with heads of organisations across the

Criminal Justice Service, including Crown Prosecution Service, the Courts, Prison and Probation. We will also continue to work closely with colleagues from the Probation Service to develop a co-commissioned reducing reoffending service for the whole of Avon and Somerset.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Commissioning Team has been extremely successful in a number of bids to the Ministry of Justice to further support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The total additional investment received from the Ministry of Justice for victim services supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Avon and Somerset is almost £1.6 million this year.

Finally, we have launched the search for a new chief constable for Avon and Somerset.

The chief constable has overall responsibility for leading the force, creating a vision and setting direction and culture that builds public and organisational confidence.

This will be accomplished by delivering a professional, effective and efficient police service.

This is a crucial appointment. The police officers and staff in Avon and Somerset are dedicated and hardworking, and I am looking for a chief constable who can enhance their considerable efforts and skills.

I want a leader who is able to inspire their workforce and meet the needs of different communities across this geographically diverse area.

The successful applicant will be in post early November following a Police and Crime Panel confirmation. I will keep you updated as this process continues.