PCC looks at progress after first year in office
MORE IMPROVEMENTS ON WAY
POLICE and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is celebrating a “wonderful” first year in office, saying new systems and technology are on their way to further improve crime-fighting.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC, pictured, recently unveiled his Police and Crime Plan setting out his priorities over the next three years to keep people safe and respond to the threat of crime.
Significant progress has been made against many of his goals which was highlighted last week with the award of no fewer than three “outstanding” grades in the latest Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service’s inspection.
Mr Matthews insists achievements are a small part of the action and improvements he is determined to make over his remaining term.
He said: “It has been a wonderful first year and I have relished every moment of meeting our communities to find out what I need to do to make their lives better and safer.
“The foundations of my Police and Crime Plan have been wholly based on these public priorities and I am happy to say we really are making steady progress against my promises, particularly around building stronger and more formidable local policing services.
“Since I was elected, there are more officers on the beat and their presence is already being keenly felt by our neighbourhoods, especially those in our rural areas.
“Providing our officers and staff with right training and equipment and technology is vital. We will also soon be seeing new cars, uniforms, radio systems and technology to boost efficiency and effectiveness.
“I have also kept my promise to invest in our rural crime capabilities and our rural crime teams have hit the ground running to reassure residents, prevent crimes that impact livelihoods and quality of life and respond to the concerns of those they serve.
“Elsewhere, I’ve invested vital funding to help give young people purpose and direction so there is less risk of them falling into crime.
“Equally, we have secured longterm funding to secure and support the work undertaken by our Violence Reduction Network to reduce violence and knife crime.
“Prevention has remained a key theme and it is testament to our hardworking partners, police officers and proactive enforcement operations that crime continues to fall across a range of areas. I am hopeful the impact of Safer Streets funding this year will continue to have a positive effect on crime rates over the coming year.
“Policing requires teamwork and none of the good work would have been possible without our dedicated and hardworking police officers, staff and volunteers. Our officers, especially, are vital to helping build trust and confidence in policing, putting themselves in the face of danger every day, and I would like to thank them for their unfaltering support during my first year.”