Police forces ‘must help tackle climate change’
Police forces have a role to play in tackling the climate emergency, says a North East crime commissioner.
Joy Allen, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, says she and her colleagues have a responsibility to provide a voice for the public to ensure the country’s police and criminal justice system plays a part in tackling climate change.
The Commissioner, speaking on the eve of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, said forces need to invest in new technologies and work to be more sustainable.
She is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners joint lead for environment and sustainability.
The Commissioner said: “PCCs have a big responsibility as national and local leaders to provide a voice for the public in policing and criminal justice to ensure that we are playing our part in tack ling the climate emergency we are facing.
"The pandemic has changed the way we operate, and I actively support the de-carbonisation agenda including developing the infrastructure in terms of buildings and fleets to contribute to carbon reduction targets.”
She added :“I am encouraging the force to work more sustainably and I am working with the community and partners to achieve better environmental outcomes.
“To meet these targets Durham Constabulary is testing a Tesla electric vehicle, reducing miles travelled by having more meetings virtually, and using less energy in ways which don’t affect service delivery.”
“The rate of progress will depend on available money, and I support the measures outlined in this week’s budget statement, but in reality much more will be needed.
"The ambition is there, but it needs properly funding.”