Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
I’m delighted the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have put their faith in me to get the best out of the police, reduce crime in our communities and keep us all safe. I am determined to not let you down.
It is important to recognise that Devon and Cornwall is the third lowest crime area in England and Wales and is the number one force for public confidence.
However, dealing with the most vulnerable in our community and being visible and accessible is not delivered so well. In an age where you’re more likely to be a victim of crime online than in the street where you live there are new challenges facing our police.
The five pledges that I have made and am looking forward to delivering are:
1. To work as a team with MPs and the Government to get the best funding deal for the people of Devon and Cornwall.
The way Government decides how much each force should get is being reviewed. So it is vital we put a strong case for the challenges of our large geography with urban, rural and coastal aspects, along with the influx of visitors during the summer. I will work with the Government to achieve this not shout from the side lines. Working more closely with the Dorset police and crime commissioner not just on improved opportunities for delivering better policing but also better value of back office functions.
2. Put policing at the heart of communities both on our streets and online.
Safety on our streets: A visible uniformed presence will never be lost during my term of office. It’s so important to respect the diversity of our communities and ensure they receive the policing they need. There is a lot of innovation in Cornwall from working with the other emergency services to greater effect such as the pilot in Hayle. This tri-service station where police, fire and ambulance work as one could be expanded.
I’m impressed with the Newquay Safe model and how that can work in other places along with the Streetnet scheme which helps to cascade information about incidences to individual streets. I will also invest in technology to help officers spend more time on the streets than in a station accessing and recording the information they need.
Safety online: I’m planning to develop policing online specially to protect the young from cyber bullying and online grooming. I want there to be an opportunity to chat to a Police Officer while online. Businesses told me cyber crime was their number one concern when I toured the Royal Cornwall Showground in March and when I visited many towns in Cornwall and they wanted help to learn more how to protect themselves.
You can do simple things if you check out cyberstreetwise.com and I aim to promote this more.
3. Support those affected by crime
Victims, witnesses, businesses and the most vulnerable in our community need to be able to better access the Police and supported to put their lives back on track.
Victim care is the responsibility of the PCC and I will ensure a strong focus on this. I aim to expand the Safe Place Scheme for people with learning disabilities and the Purple Angel Scheme for people affected by dementia. Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will become known as THE safe place to live, work and visit.
I will produce a business crime action plan to better support those who contribute greatly to our community and encourage better practice for keeping employees and customers safe too. I aim to hot desk in high crime areas, support the expansion of Neighbourhood Health Watch (www.neighbourhoodhealthwatch.org.uk) , safeguard children and young people in need and develop a better way to help those with mental health issues.
4. Improve crime reporting, especially 101.
Waiting up to 45 minutes is unacceptable. I know work has started, one of which is the introduction of a new email to contact the team 101@dc.police.uk. Enabling people to report all crime is a fundamental requirement to ensure resources are deployed successfully and where it’s needed.
5. Review police station closures so that people don’t feel abandoned.
Again working with the other emergency services is key for this. I want to see how we can maintain the equivalent of a Police Station front desk in some form in every community that wants or needs one. This could be within a partner agency’s premises or even a local business.
Alison is committed to carrying out her role impartially. In addition to taking the Declaration of the Acceptance of Office (a requirement for all police and crime commissioners), he/she has also signed a Code of Conduct. In addition he/she has signed the Official Secrets Act. You can read more about the conduct of the Commissioner on this website using the link to the left.
Alison is paid a salary of £85,000 per year. This figure is set by the Home Secretary. You can read more about what we spend on the PCC website, under About Us.
