by Terry Norton
I have lots to update you on since I last wrote to you, and I am thrilled to inform you of the recent progress we have made in our community.
First and foremost, I am delighted to announce the successful launch of the Local Bobby initiative. As promised, we have introduced named local police officers contactable for every community in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This ground-breaking scheme has been met with overwhelming support from the public. Now, anyone in our region can easily find out who their Local Bobby is, along with their email and direct mobile number – 078 1151 9535. This initiate has made our police force more accessible than ever before, addressing the public’s calls for greater police visibility.
In addition to the Local Bobby launch, I am proud to share some highlights detailed in our Annual Report. We have surpassed the government target of 498 additional police officers, delivering a total of 650 with another 75 on the way. Furthermore, we have taken steps to open up 10 more police stations to the public over the next 18 months, ensuring that our communities have easy access to law enforcement resources.
Recognising the importance of getting officers out on the streets quickly, we have successfully campaigned for the end of the mandatory degree requirement for officers freeing up around 500,000 hours of operational policing. This change will expedite the process and enable our officers to serve the community more efficiently.
To contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, we have purchased electric bikes for every district in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. These bikes will not only help our officers navigate our communities more effectively but also reduce our carbon footprint.
Our commitment to providing excellent local policing is unwavering. We have embraced the Chief Constable’s new geographic model, which focuses on delivering exceptional local policing services. Moreover, we have set aside £500,000 annually to tackle anti-social behaviour through the ASB Taskforce and established a Violent Crime Taskforce that has been effectively combating violent crime.
Road safety is of paramount importance to us, which is why we have funded the installation of eight new speed cameras on the A32 and A272. These cameras will enhance road safety and protect our community members. In our relentless pursuit of safer streets, I am thrilled to share that we have recently secured £1 million of Home Office funding. This funding will allow us to implement projects that will benefit Havant, including a mentorship program in schools and the establishment of a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) information hub to support night-time economy workers.
Another area where we have made significant progress is youth crime prevention. We have allocated £300,000 to support Music Fusion in Leigh Park, a ground-breaking initiative that utilises the power of music to make a positive impact in our community. By bringing together talented young musicians from diverse backgrounds, Music Fusion encourages collaboration, creativity and unity, thereby deterring them from engaging in criminal activities.
I am pleased to report that our efforts have yielded positive results. Crime rates have decreased, indicating the effectiveness of our strategies. Additionally, our 101 service has been improved to ensure that we provide a better service to the public.
Lastly, I would like to share a heart-warming story of how the PCC has saved a local boxing club. We have leased an unused police building to the Waterlooville Boxing Club, which has had a profound impact on young people in the local community. The club’s membership has doubled since its relocation, and it now welcomes approximately 125 individuals every week. By providing a positive outlet for young people, the boxing club has become a beacon of hope, injecting new life into part of the police estate.
I am immensely proud of the progress we have made as a community and the positive impact we continue to have on the lives of our residents. Together, we are creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and please stay tuned for more updates on our ongoing initiatives.
Terry Norton is Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and is a proud resident of Purbrook. The Local Bobby for Purbrook is PC James Clatworthy, who can be contacted on 078 1151 9535 or by email at [email protected]
November 1, 2022
