West Norfolk and body-worn cameras both in focus at PCC's public meeting

Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green is continuing his fresh approach to how he holds the Norfolk’s Chief Constable to account – this time in West Norfolk.

On Monday (January 30) in King’s Lynn, Lorne will hold Chief Constable Simon Bailey to account at one of his regular Police Accountability Forum meetings and the public is welcome to attend and observe. This will be followed by a more general public meeting where people have the opportunity to question the PCC and Chief Constable.

During the evening there will be the first public demonstration of new body-worn cameras which will be introduced to Norfolk Constabulary for the first time this spring.

Lorne said: “I pledged that I would be an accountable and accessible PCC and that is exactly what I continue 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 policing and crime.

“This will be the third time we have taken our meetings ‘on the road’ and we have had excellent turnouts in both Dereham and Great Yarmouth, with an impressive variety of questions put to the Chief Constable and me on issues which clearly matter to people.

“This time there will also be a chance to see the Force’s new body-worn cameras in action as well as get an update on policing in the west of the county, so please come and join us.”

The announcement that Norfolk Constabulary is to get body-worn cameras was made by the PCC in October.

Lorne said. “Our police must have the modern technology they need to fight the crime types affecting Norfolk today. This is an important investment in our police.”

As well as supporting officers working in challenging situations, the PCC said the introduction of body worn video also offers benefits for the public.

He said: “The cameras will provide greater safety for officers, improve transparency over our officers’ interactions with the public, providing community reassurance and building confidence. If they’ve been caught on camera, it is more likely perpetrators will take responsibility for their actions. Use of body worn video has also been shown to speed up justice for victims of crime and reduce complaints.”

Items on the Police Accountability Forum agenda include rural crime, community engagement and Norfolk Constabulary’s digital strategy (agenda and reports).

Both of Monday’s meetings will take place in the Committee Suite, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, King’s Court, Chapel Street, King’s Lynn:

• Police Accountability Forum at 5pm.

• Public meeting session at 7pm.