Fresh approach as new PCC holds first public meeting

Norfolk’s newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner is bringing a fresh approach to how he holds the county’s Chief Constable to account – and he wants to hear from you.

PCCs must, by law, hold regular meetings with the Chief Constable to ensure they are delivering an efficient and effective force and making progress against the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.

Norfolk PCC Lorne Green, who was elected in May, has said his Police Accountability Forums will go hand-in-hand with an open, public meeting where people will have the chance to quiz both the PCC and the Chief Constable.

The first such meeting* will take place this Thursday (July 21) in Dereham, and the Commissioner has pledged to take the meetings around the county.

Lorne said: “During the election campaign I pledged that I would be an accountable and accessible PCC and that is exactly what I intend to be. The people of Norfolk voted me in, and the people of Norfolk have the right to see me in their communities and to speak to me about what’s on their mind with regards to police and crime.

“These regular meetings, where I hold the Chief Constable to account, have always been held in public, but with no chance for people to speak. Too many have been held during the day and mostly in Wymondham, so it’s no surprise only one or two people ever come along. I am determined that will change and that’s why I have introduced a public question and answer session before the meetings and will be travelling from district to district. So this is a standing invitation to anyone interested in the policing of our county to come along and find out more.”

There will also be a chance on Thursday for people to take part in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan 2016-2020 consultation and help set Norfolk’s policing and crime priorities before the consultation closes on August 12.

Lorne said: “I truly believe that we learn more from listening than speaking and that’s the guiding philosophy behind my crime and policing consultation.

“As PCC I am responsible for setting the direction for how we, as a county, tackle crime and disorder and keep our communities safe. I want that direction to be shaped by the views and needs of Norfolk’s residents, and that’s why I’m extending this invitation to come along to Dereham and share your views and experiences with us.”

The public question and answer session will start at 5.30pm at the Council Chamber at Breckland District Council Offices in Dereham this Thursday.

The PCC and Chief Constable will hold their regular Police Accountability Forum meeting at 7pm. Lorne will receive update reports from Chief Constable Simon Bailey on performance, finance and other key areas of police business.

Items on the agenda include an update on the force’s Athena ‘one stop shop’ IT project, diversity in the constabulary’s workforce and scrutiny of police officer numbers and well-being.

 

*Police and Crime Commissioner’s Public Meeting:

Thursday 21 July 2016

Council Chamber,

Breckland District Council Offices,

Elizabeth House,

Walpole Loke,

Dereham,

Norfolk,

NR19 1EE.

• Public Question and Answer session at 5.30pm.

• Police and Crime Plan Consultation at 6.30pm.

• Police Accountability Forum at 7pm.