APCC responds to HMIC Public views of policing Report
APCC responds to HMIC Public views of policing Report
The report published today by HMIC showing that overall confidence in local policing is at its highest level in ten years illustrates the good work being undertaken by police across the country, and the positive impact of police and crime commissioners in ensuring the needs of the public they represent are met.
Vera Baird QC, PCC for Northumbria and Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said;
“It is pleasing that 76 percent of people are satisfied in policing, as it is vitally important people feel confident that when they report a crime they will be listened to, and that victims of crime know they will be cared for.”
“However there are important lessons to be learnt from this report. It is encouraging that three quarters of people feel safe after dark and do not feel crime/anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a big problem where they live, yet this is not true of all communities, as 42% of those living in a more deprived neighbourhood report feeling unsafe. We must work harder to ensure that all communities feel equally safe in their local areas.”
“While we have protected local policing, there may be concern that over a third of people also report that they have not seen a uniformed police presence on foot in their area over the past year. This is because modern intelligence led police patrolling means that officers are targeting the areas they are most needed, enabling them to build relationships with local communities and actively prevent crime, rather than only react to it.”
ENDS