PCC and Chief Constable to host live Norwich Q&A session

Residents in Norfolk are being invited along to a live question and answer session with the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Chief Constable next week.

The meeting is due to take place at Norwich City Council with PCC Giles Orpen-Smellie and Chief Constable Paul Sanford discussing the current and future challenges facing policing in Norfolk.

Members of the public are invited to attend the in-person event on Thursday 20 October, between 6pm and 8pm to hear more, ask any questions and give feedback.

Giles will be hosting the Q&A ahead of the launch of his police budget consultation for 2023/24.

The Norwich event is one of a series of similar engagement meetings set to take place across the county in a bid to gauge public opinion and perception of the police and highlight resourcing challenges and requirements.

PCC Giles Orpen-Smellie, said: “The aim of the meeting is for Norfolk residents to get a clear idea about the demands on policing and challenges my policing colleagues face currently and in the future.

“I was elected to serve as Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner some 18 months ago and I have enjoyed learning about the role of policing in the county and the huge part partners play alongside policing colleagues to ensure Norfolk remains a safe place in which to live, work and visit.

“My Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan for Norfolk gives strategic direction for policing in the county. The plan was launched after public and stakeholder consultation with a series of six pillars identified as key areas of focus. My first is to ‘Sustain Norfolk Constabulary’ and this is what I must do.

“It is important to me as your PCC to carry out regular engagement events to meet face to face with residents, explain the current picture around policing in Norfolk and hear any feedback or concerns ahead of my budget consultation.

“The meeting is a perfect opportunity for residents to hear first-hand from myself and Paul Sanford and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend.”

Two further Q&A events with Giles and Paul Sanford are due to be held on Wednesday 16 November in Great Yarmouth and Tuesday 13 December in King’s Lynn.  

As well as holding the Q&A sessions with the Chief Constable, Giles will also be hosting a series of smaller events in public buildings and libraries across Norfolk in areas including, Downham Market, Gorleston, Holt, Fakenham, Thetford, Cromer, North Walsham, Swaffham, Dereham, Diss and Wymondham.

Further details of each event will be publicised on our website in due course.

The Q&A event is due to take place between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday 20 October in the Westwick Room, Norwich City Council, St Peter’s Street, Norwich, NR2 1NH.

All are welcome.