The middle of May this year marked the half-way point of my term as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and a time for reflection on what has been achieved so far and what we need to focus on in the future.

When I first took office back in 2016 I issued my first Police and Crime Plan, which was a blueprint containing six priorities setting the strategic direction for Surrey Police to follow.
Behind every successful business is a solid and workable business plan and we are no different in policing – our plans are essential to us to keep improving the service we provide.

I am a firm believer that the best plans are the ones that continue to evolve over time, so it felt like a good time to refresh my Police and Crime Plan with the priorities I believe Surrey Police need to focus on in the next two years.

Much has already been achieved – we have a stable top team under the Chief Constable, a more sound financial footing and a new policing model has been successfully implemented.

There are now more police of cars in local teams than there were two years ago, who are trained to deal with a wider range of policing problems with an emphasis on providing a visible and reassuring presence to all sections of the community.

However, there is always more to do and I believe it is vital we maintain that momentum and build on the progress already made.

I want to ensure we stay ahead of new crimes, crack down on emerging trends such as the recent rise in burglary and ensure victims of crime are properly supported. Equally I want to provide a police force that is both value for money and equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

But one of my key priorities is ‘Building Confident Communities’ – working closely with other public services, local residents and organisations and encouraging them to get involved in solving issues that damage local areas or make people feel unsafe.

I talk in my new plan about businesses having a part to play in that and wanting to work with them to hear their concerns, jointly tackle problems and protect employees and customers.

Businesses can help policing in a number of ways – whether that be through making sure you have adequate security in place or by helping be the eyes and ears for the local community.

If you want to read the revised plan in full – do visit the Surrey PCC website at www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/plan

Modern Slavery Event
One of the other themes of the plan is the need to allow Surrey Police to balance the need to retain visible, local policing with the demands from serious and complex crimes such as domestic abuse and Modern Slavery.
You may have read the article in the last edition of this magazine on how police are dealing with the growing menace of Modern Slavery. My office and Surrey Police have teamed up with Surrey Chambers to host an event on July 3rd at the Guildford Harbour Hotel. 

The aim is to explain what Modern Slavery is and how it might affect your business and provide you with information on your legal responsibilities.

It is completely free to attend and runs from 7.30 to 10.30am – I hope to see as many of you there as possible!

To sign up, please visit the events pages at www.surrey-chambers.co.uk