THE impact of the work of the county’s police and crime commissioner David Keane has been highlighted in his fifth annual report.
In the report, he details the work he has carried out over the last year to deliver the priorities within his Police and Crime Plan.
They include preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting victims and vulnerable people, and ensuring Cheshire Constabulary is connected to its communities and is fit for the future.
Covering the period between April 2019 and March 2020, one of the highlights in the report is his work ensuring Cheshire Constabulary delivers a truly local policing service, based in the hearts of communities and genuinely connected with the people it serves.
During this period, the Commissioner prioritised spending on local policing and established dedicated Problem Solving teams in each of Cheshire’s four local authority areas which will see police officers work with partners and local residents to tackle emerging issues and crimes more efficiently and effectively.
PCC David Keane said: “I want to make Cheshire Constabulary the best police service nationally in its delivery of community policing and with the support of Cheshire residents, I have been able to provide a dedicated Police Constable and Police Community Support Officer for each of our 122 policing communities.
“Furthermore, the Problem Solving Teams have been pivotal in a number of successful operations to not only make our communities safer but also bring local people together to develop a sense of pride in their community whilst working with the police to prevent crime.”
Also highlighted in the report is the Commissioner’s work to establish Cheshire’s first Anti-Bullying Commission which brought together key partners and community representatives to take a closer look at the issue.
In its first phase, which focused on bullying among under 25s, the Commission spoke to hundreds of young people to understand their experiences and how support services can be improved.
During Anti-Bullying Week next month, the Commission will report back on its findings and look to introduce an Anti-Bullying Charter in Cheshire schools and colleges.
“Bullying is endemic in our society and is something that cannot be addressed by policing alone. The Charter sets out a commitment to eradicate bullying. It will be the first time a county-wide pledge has been implemented to tackle bullying”, added David.
The report also details how PCC David Keane has been delivering on his other priorities, particularly during a challenging period as Cheshire Police prepared for a national pandemic.
“Covid-19 brought into sharp focus the value of local communities and the support we can give each other and these efforts have undoubtedly saved lives across Cheshire.
“Despite this challenging period, I have continued to ensure supporting victims of crime is a top priority and I’ve invested in a number of vital services which support victims of crime to cope and recover from their ordeal and commissioned new services which offer innovative methods to support victim recovery.
“Whilst putting local policing priorities and the needs of victims at the heart of everything I do, I have also ensured your police service continues to provide value-for-money. With the support of the public, I have been able to significantly increase our police officer numbers, despite the challenges we have faced due to severe cuts to central government funding.
“Without this investment in our front-line, I would not have been able to deliver a dedicated officer for every community in Cheshire.
“Finally, my main priority will always remain being your voice within local policing and ensuring that you have a police service which operates effectively and keeps you safe.”
The full report is available to read on the commissioner’s website https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-i-do/making-cheshire-safer/police-and-crime-plan/ Hard copies are available on request by calling the Commissioner’s office on 01606 364000.
