Norfolk’s PCC launches his Police and Crime Plan consultation

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has launched his Police and Crime Plan consultation asking people across the county to tell him what matters most to them about crime and policing in their area.

Giles Orpen-Smellie was elected as Norfolk’s PCC in May, and one of his primary responsibilities is to publish a Police and Crime Plan setting out what the priorities must be for Norfolk Constabulary throughout the course of his term.

During his first few weeks in the role Giles has been meeting with senior police officers and staff, partners and stakeholders to find out more about the work taking place behind the scenes to ensure Norfolk remains a safe place in which to live and work.

Giles has also been meeting with officers around Norfolk to hear about the valuable work they are doing to support their local communities, as well as hear from residents about any policing and crime concerns in their area.

The PCC is legally required to produce and publish their Police and Crime Plan within their first year of office – and today Giles is urging people to take part in his consultation to ensure their voice is heard.

“As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I am responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account for operational policing,” said Giles Orpen-Smellie

“One of the ways I achieve this is by developing a Police and Crime Plan that takes account of the local policing priorities that matter to you. 

“When you take part in my survey I will be able to use your responses, along with information from the Chief Constable and other partner organisations, to inform the development of my Police and Crime Plan.

“This plan will set out the policing objectives for the county for the next three years and will demonstrate how I, as your PCC, will work with other key stakeholders and partners to help keep Norfolk safe.”

Thinking about policing priorities within their local area, Giles is asking people to tell him to what extent they agree or disagree with his six proposed priorities, which are:

·         Increase police capability to deliver visible and effective policing

·         Tackle high harm crime, particularly domestic abuse, rape, serious sexual offences 

          and drugs (dealing and trafficking)

·         Disrupt serious and organised crime causing harm to communities

·         Put victims of crime first through the implementation of the new Victims’ Code*

·         Make Norfolk’s roads safer for all who use them

·         Work in partnership to prevent and reduce crime

The consultation will run from Monday 26 July until Friday 20 August 2021.

Giles is also inviting those taking part in his four-week consultation to advise if there is anything else they feel he should include in his plan.

“This is your chance to have your say and to make your voice heard about what matters most to you,” added Giles.

“I’m keen to hear from as many people across Norfolk as possible, so please do take the opportunity to share what you believe should be the priorities for our county and for our police service.”

The new Police and Crime Plan for Norfolk will be implemented in April 2022. Until this time, whilst work is ongoing, the Police and Crime Plan 2016-20, and associated priorities, set by former PCC Lorne Green will remain in place. 

Take part in the consultation here: Police and Crime Plan Consultation

*The Victims’ Code for England and Wales sets out victims’ rights and the minimum standard of service that organisations like the police must provide to them.