PCC urges residents to help shape crime plan
Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Vera Baird QC, visits Berwick to meet and talk with locals about police and crime priorities.
NORTHUMBRIA’S Police and Crime Commissioner has met with people in Berwick to identify the issues that are important to them.
Vera Baird visited Berwick to encourage residents to put forward their views, and help shape her plan for the region.
She was on hand to chat with the public at ASDA Tweedmouth last Wednesday, when she heard their ideas and concerns, and encouraged them to take part in Northumbria’s Police and Crime survey.
Questions range from deciding the top five policing priorities to saying what budget areas should have more or less investment, and the results will help Ms Baird produce a Police and Crime plan for the region.
“I was very keen to come up in Northumberland, particularly to Berwick, because I think there will be a perception that because it’s hard to get here, it’s rural, it will just be forgotten about,” she said. “That’s not the case, we’re very keen to get out and about and we want people up here to fill in the survey.
“The questionnaire allows local residents to tell me exactly what they want from their police force, what is going well and what could be improved.
“This is our local police force and it is important that it continues to deliver for every community across Northumbria.”
As well as asking for the public’s views, Ms Baird has also set up seven advisory groups of people protected by the Equality Act, such as the elderly, disabled, people of minority races and different religions, with whom she meets regularly to ensure the plan meets their needs. There is also an advisory group made up of victims of crime.
Having spoken to local residents during her visit, Ms Baird said that one of the main issues arising here was anti social behaviour.
She said: “I was delighted to meet local residents in Berwick, there is a clear pride about our local police force, but there are issues that local residents want me to look at. The main one being anti-social behaviour.
“I can assure readers that I will tackle this matter in my Police and Crime plan and I will also look at all the other concerns that people raised.” She added: “By working together in partnership we can achieve a lot more, and I look forward to returning to Berwick soon.”
Ms Baird already has some ideas aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour to include in her Police and Crime Plan. These include Northumbria Police responding to all reports of anti-social behaviour; Every victim of anti-social behaviour will be contacted personally and their concerns investigate; Victims and witnesses will get tailor-made support and real understanding; Police call takers will ask victims if they are vulnerable, through ill health for example, and log the need for extra priority and support.
The deadline for responding to the questionnaire, which can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/northumbria_pcc is January 31.
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Weather for Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
