Protecting the vulnerable
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCCN) for Norfolk must comply with all relevant legislation and guidance which relates to safeguarding children, young people and adults in the county.
As the county’s Victims Commissioner, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) must also hold the Chief Constable to account for his or her responsibility in relation to the safeguarding of vulnerable people of all ages.
It is a fundamental principle that everyone, regardless of age, gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic, cultural, racial or national origin, religious belief/non-belief or sexual orientation has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
Working with partners
The OPCCN must also ensure any safeguarding issues which are highlighted to the office are addressed and managed appropriately with partner agencies.
Statutory partners include:
Norfolk County Council
Norfolk Police
Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board
Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership
The office also works in partnership with non-statutory and voluntary organisations which can also assist with supporting victims.
As part of the office’s responsibility in protecting the vulnerable it also plays a critical role in the work of the Community Safety Partnership.
Protecting young people
Protecting young people is core to the work carried out by the OPCCN.
During 2018/19 and 2019/20, six project streams were developed by the office, in collaboration with partners including Norfolk Police and Norfolk County Council in a bid to tackle serious violence in Norfolk by preventing the exploitation of young people by criminal gangs.
Funding for the projects was secured through a successful bid by the OPCCN supported by partners, to the Home Office’s Early Intervention Youth Fund, with Norfolk being awarded £700,000.
National legislation and guidance
Please see the following links for more information on national legislation and guidance we must follow:
Counter Terrorism and Security Act, 2015
Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 Section 1(8) (h)