Category: News

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend next to Surrey Police HQ sign

Surrey Police Headquarters to remain in Guildford following landmark decision

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Surrey Police Headquarters will remain at the Mount Browne site in Guildford following a landmark decision made by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Force, it was announced today.

Previous plans to build a new HQ and Eastern operating base in Leatherhead have been halted in favour of redeveloping the current site which has been home to Surrey Police for the last 70 years.

The decision to remain at Mount Browne was agreed by PCC Lisa Townsend and the Force’s Chief Officer team on Monday (22nd November) following an independent review carried out on the future of the Surrey Police estate.

The Commissioner said that the policing landscape had ‘shifted significantly’ in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and that having considered all options, redeveloping the Guildford site offered the best value for money for the Surrey public.

The former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site in Leatherhead was purchased in March 2019 with the intention of replacing a number of existing police locations in the county, including the current HQ in Guildford.

However, plans to develop the site were paused in June this year whilst an independent review, commissioned by Surrey Police, was carried by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) to look specifically at the financial implications of the project.

Following recommendations from CIPFA, it was decided three options would considered for the future – whether to continue with plans for the Leatherhead base, to look at an alternative site elsewhere in the county or to redevelop the current HQ at Mount Browne.

Following a detailed assessment – a decision was taken that the best option to create a policing base fit for a modern day police force while providing the best value for money for the public was to redevelop Mount Browne.

Whilst plans for the site are still very much in the early stages, the development will take place in phases including a new joint Contact Centre and Force Control Room, a better location for the internationally renowned Surrey Police Dog School, a new Forensic Hub and improved facilities for training and accommodation.

This exciting new chapter will renew our Mount Browne site for the officers and staff of the future. The site in Leatherhead will also now be sold.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Designing a new headquarters is probably the biggest single investment that Surrey Police will ever make and it is vital we get it right.

“The most important factor for me is that we provide value for money for our residents and deliver an even better policing service for them.

“Our officers and staff deserve the very best support and working environment we can provide for them and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make sure we are making a sound investment for their future.

“Back in 2019, a decision was taken to build a new headquarters site in Leatherhead and I can fully understand the reasons why. But since then the policing landscape has shifted significantly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the way the Surrey Police workforce operate in terms of remote working.

“In light of that, I believe that remaining at Mount Browne is the right option for both Surrey Police and the public we serve.

“I wholeheartedly agree with the Chief Constable that staying as we are is not an option for the future. So we must ensure the plan for the proposed redevelopment reflects the dynamic and forward thinking Force we want Surrey Police to be.

“This is an exciting time for Surrey Police and my office will be working closely with the Force and the project team going forward to make sure we deliver a new headquarters we can all be proud of.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “Although Leatherhead offered us a new alternative to our headquarters, both in design and location, it had become clear that it was becoming increasingly harder to achieve our long-term dreams and ambitions.

“The pandemic has presented new opportunities to re-think how we can use our Mount Browne site and retain an estate that has been a part of Surrey Police’s history for more than 70 years. This announcement is an exciting opportunity for us to shape and design the look and feel of the Force for future generations.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

PCC Lisa Townsend issues statement following death of Sir David Amess MP

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has issued the following statement in response to the death of Sir David Amess MP on Friday:

“Like everyone I was appalled and horrified by the senseless murder of Sir David Amess MP and I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues and all those affected by the awful events of Friday afternoon.

“Our MPs and elected representatives have a crucial role to play in listening to and serving their constituents in our local communities and should be able to carry out that duty without fear of intimidation or violence. Politics by its very nature can illicit strong emotions but there can be absolutely no justification for the sickening assault that took place in Essex.

“I am sure the terrible events of Friday afternoon will have been felt across all of our communities and understandably concerns have been raised about the security of MPs across the country.

“Surrey Police have been in contact with all of the county’s MPs and have been co-ordinating with our partners both nationally and locally to ensure appropriate security advice is given to our elected representatives.

“Communities defeat terror and whatever our political beliefs, we must all stand together in the face of such an attack on our democracy.”

Commissioner wants to hear resident’s views on policing priorities for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is calling on Surrey residents to have their say on what the policing priorities should be for the county over the next three years.

The Commissioner is inviting the public to fill in a brief survey which will help her set her Police and Crime Plan that will shape policing during her current term of office.

The survey, which only takes a few minutes to complete, can be found below and will be open until Monday 25th October 2021.

Police and Crime Plan Survey

The Police and Crime Plan will set out the key priorities and areas of policing which the Commissioner believes Surrey Police need to focus on during her term of office and provides the basis for she holds the Chief Constable to account.

During the summer months, a lot of work has already gone into developing the plan with the widest consultation process ever carried out by the Commissioner’s office.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson has led consultation events with a number of key groups such as MPs, councillors, victim and survivor groups, young people, professionals in crime reduction and safety, rural crime groups and those representing Surrey’s diverse communities.

The consultation process is now moving to the stage where the Commissioner wants to seek the views of the wider Surrey public with the survey where people can have their say on what they would like to see in the plan.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “When I took office back in May, I pledged to keep residents’ views at the heart of my plans for the future which is why I want as many people as possible to fill in our survey and let me know their views.

“I know from speaking to residents across Surrey that there are issues that consistently cause concern such as speeding, anti-social behaviour and the safety of women and girls in our communities.

“I want to ensure that my Police and Crime Plan is the right one for Surrey and reflects a wide a range of views as possible on those issues that are important to people in our communities.

“I believe it is vital we strive to provide that visible police presence the public want in their communities, tackle those crimes and issues that are important to people where they live and support victims and the most vulnerable in our society.

“That is the challenge and I want to develop a plan that can help deliver on those priorities on behalf of the Surrey public.

“A lot of work has already gone into the consultation process and has given us some clear foundations on which to build the plan. But I believe it is crucial we listen to our residents about what they want and expect from their police service and what they believe should be in the plan.

“That is why I would ask as many people as possible to take a few minutes to fill in our survey, give us their views and help us shape the future of policing in this county.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend responds as fresh injunction granted against Insulate Britain

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said Insulate Britain protesters should ‘consider their future’ as new measures to prevent motorway protests could land activists with two years in prison or an unlimited fine.

A fresh court injunction was granted to Highways England this weekend, after new protests by the climate activists blocked sections of the M1, M4 and M25 in the tenth day of actions held in three weeks.

It comes as protesters have today been removed by the Metropolitan Police and partners from London’s Wandsworth Bridge and the Blackwall Tunnel.

Threatening that new offences will be treated as ‘contempt of court’, the injunction means that individuals staging protests on key routes may face prison time for their actions.

In Surrey, four days of protests on the M25 in September led to the arrest of 130 people. The Commissioner praised the swift actions of Surrey Police and has called on the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to join police forces in a firm response.

The new order covers motorways and A roads in and around London and enables police forces to submit evidence direct to Highways England in order to assist with the injunction process carried out by the courts.

It acts as a deterrent, by including more routes and further banning protesters who damage or attach themselves to road surfaces.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “The disruption caused by Insulate Britain protesters continues to place road users and police officers in danger. It is pulling the resources of the police and other services away from individuals who need their help. This is not just about people being late to work; it could be the difference between whether police officers or other emergency responders are on the scene to save someone’s life.

“The public deserve to see coordinated action through the Justice System that is proportionate to the seriousness of these offences. I am pleased that this updated order includes providing more support for Surrey Police and other forces to work with Highways England and the courts to ensure that action is taken.

“My message to Insulate Britain protesters is that they should think very, very carefully about the impact that these actions will have on their future, and what a serious penalty or even jail time could mean for themselves and the people in their lives.”

Commissioner welcomes strong message as injunction gives police more powers

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has welcomed news of a High Court Injunction that will give police more powers to prevent and respond to new protests expected to take place on the motorway network.

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps applied for the injunction after a fifth day of protests were held by Insulate Britain across the UK. In Surrey, four protests have been held since last Monday, leading to the arrest of 130 people by Surrey Police.

The injunction granted to National Highways means that individuals staging new protests that involve obstructing the highway will face charges of contempt of court, and could see time in prison while held on remand.

It comes after Commissioner Lisa Townsend told The Times that she believed more powers were needed to deter protesters: “I think a short prison sentence may well form the deterrent that is needed, if people have to think very, very carefully about their future and what a criminal record might mean for them.

“I’m delighted to see this action by the Government, that sends a strong message that these protests that selfishly and seriously endanger

the public are unacceptable, and will be met with the full force of the law. It is important that individuals contemplating new protests reflect on the harm they could cause, and understand that they could face jail time if they continue.

“This injunction is a welcome deterrent that means our Police forces can focus on directing resources to where they are needed most, such as tackling serious and organised crime and supporting victims.”

Speaking to the national and local media, the Commissioner praised the response of Surrey Police to protests held in the last ten days, and gave thanks for the cooperation of the Surrey public in ensuring key routes were reopened as soon as was safely possible.

cars on a motorway

Commissioner praises Surrey Police response as arrests made in new M25 protest

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has praised the response of Surrey Police to protests held on Surrey’s motorways by Insulate Britain.

It comes as a further 38 individuals were arrested this morning in a new protest on the M25.

Since last Monday 13th September, 130 people have been arrested by Surrey Police after four protests caused disruption to the M3 and M25.

The Commissioner said the response by Surrey Police was appropriate and that officers and staff across the Force were working hard to minimise further disruption:

“Obstructing a highway is an offence and I am pleased that Surrey Police’s response to these protests has been proactive and robust. People travelling in Surrey have a right to go about their business free of interruption. I am grateful that the support of the public has enabled the work of Surrey Police and partners to allow these routes to be reopened as quickly as is safe to do so.

“These protests are not only selfish but place significant demand on other areas of policing; reducing the resources available to help Surrey residents in need across the county.

The right to peaceful protest is important, but I urge anyone who is considering further action to carefully consider the very real and serious risk they are posing to members of the public, police officers and themselves.

“I am incredibly grateful for the work of Surrey Police and will continue to do everything I can to ensure the Force has the resources and support it needs to maintain the high standards of policing in Surrey.”

The response of Surrey Police officers is part of a coordinated effort by both officers and operational staff in a range of roles across Surrey. They include contact and deployment, intelligence, custody, public order and others.

woman hugging daughter in front of a sunrise

“Ending violence against women and girls requires everyone to work together.” – Commissioner Lisa Townsend responds to new report

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed a new report by the Government that urges ‘fundamental, cross-system change’ to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls.

The report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) included the results of an inspection of four police forces including Surrey Police, recognising the proactive approach the Force is already taking.

It calls on every police force and their partners to radically refocus their efforts, ensuring that the best possible support is provided to victims while relentlessly pursuing offenders. It is important that this forms part of a whole system approach alongside local authorities, health services and charities.

A landmark plan unveiled by the Government in July included the appointment this week of Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth as the new National Police Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls.

The scale of the problem was recognised as being so vast, that HMICFRS said they struggled to keep this section of the report updated with new findings.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Today’s report reiterates just how important it is that all agencies work as one to prevent violence against women and girls in our communities. This is an area that my office and Surrey Police are actively investing in with partners right across Surrey, including funding a brand-new service that is focused on changing perpetrators’ behaviour.

“The impact of crimes including coercive control and stalking must not be underestimated. I’m delighted that Deputy Chief Constable Blyth has been appointed this week to lead the national response and am proud that Surrey Police is already acting on many of the recommendations contained in this report.

“This is an area I’m passionate about. I will be working with Surrey Police and others to ensure we do everything we can to ensure every woman and girl in Surrey can feel safe and be safe.”

Surrey Police was praised for its response to violence against women and girls, that includes a new Force Strategy, more Sexual Offence Liaison Officers and domestic abuse case workers and a public consultation with over 5000 women and girls on community safety.

Force Lead for Violence against Women and Girls Temporary D/Superintendent Matt Barcraft-Barnes said: “Surrey Police was one of four forces put forward to be involved in the fieldwork for this inspection, giving us the opportunity to show where we have made real strides to improve.

“We have already started implementing some of the recommendations earlier this year. This includes Surrey being awarded £502,000 by the Home Office for intervention programmes for perpetrators and the new multi-agency focus on targeting the highest harm offenders. With this we aim to make Surrey an uncomfortable place for perpetrators of violence against women and girls by targeting them direct.”

In 2020/21, the Office of the PCC provided more funds to address violence against women and girls than ever before, including close to close to £900,000 in funding to local organisations to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Funding from the PCC’s Office continues to provide a wide range of local services, including counselling and helplines, refuge space, dedicated services for children and professional support for individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

Read the full report by HMICFRS.

Statement by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend says she felt compelled to speak out on behalf of the women in Surrey who have contacted her after an interview was published this week reflecting her views on gender and the Stonewall organisation.

The Commissioner said that concerns about gender self-identification had been first raised with her during her successful election campaign and continues to be raised now.

Her perspective on the issues and her fears over the direction that the Stonewall organisation is taking were first published on the Mail Online over the weekend.

She said that whilst those views were personal and something she feels passionately about, she also felt she had a duty to raise them publicly on behalf of those women who had expressed their concerns.

The Commissioner said she wanted to clarify that despite what has been reported, she hasn’t, and would not, demand that Surrey Police stop working with Stonewall although she has made her views clear to the Chief Constable.

She has also wanted to express her support for the broad range of work that Surrey Police carry out to ensure they remain an inclusive organisation.

The Commissioner said: “I firmly believe in the importance of the law in protecting everybody, regardless of sex, gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or any other characteristic. Each of us has the right to voice our concerns when we believe a particular policy has the potential for harm.

“I do not believe, however, that the law is clear enough in this area and is too open to interpretation which is leading to confusion and inconsistencies in approach.

“Because of this, I have severe concerns with the stance taken by Stonewall. I want to be clear that I am not opposed to the hard-won rights of the trans community. The issue I have is that I don’t believe Stonewall recognise there is a conflict between women’s rights and trans rights.

“I don’t believe we should be shutting down that debate and should be asking instead how we can resolve it.

“That is why I wanted to air these views on the public stage and speak up for those people who have contacted me. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have a duty to reflect the concerns of the communities I serve, and if I can’t raise these, who can?”

“I don’t believe we need Stonewall in order to ensure we are inclusive, and other forces and public bodies have clearly also come to this conclusion.

“This is a complex and very emotive topic. I know my views will not be shared by everyone but I believe we only ever make progress by asking challenging questions, and having difficult conversations.”

Teenager shoes

Commissioner’s office to fund dedicated service to protect children from exploitation

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey is looking to fund a dedicated service to work with young people affected by exploitation in the county.

Up to £100,000 is being made available from the Community Safety Fund to support a Surrey organisation that has a proven record of helping young people affected by, or at risk of serious criminal exploitation.

Most exploitation involves the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks that distribute drugs from major cities to local towns and villages.

Signs that a young person might be at risk include absence from education or going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or relationships or gifts from new ‘friends’ that are older.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I’m really passionate about ensuring that our focus in Surrey includes supporting young people to stay safe, and to feel safe.

“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re making new funding available to deliver a dedicated service that will tackle the root causes of exploitation in direct partnership with the individuals affected. If this is an area where your organisation can make a difference – please get in touch.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of

exploitation, of which 14% were already experiencing it. The majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project aims to support over 300 young people.

The successful recipient of the funding will work with young people identified as being at risk of exploitation to tackle the root causes of their vulnerability.

As part of a partnership across Surrey that includes the Commissioner’s Office, they will develop trusted relationships that lead to new opportunities for the individual, such as entry or re-entry into education, or improved access to physical and mental health care.

Interested organisations can find out more here.

Commissioner and Deputy support NFU ‘Take the Lead’ campaign

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has joined with partners to encourage dog walkers to put pets on a lead when walking near farm animals.

Representatives of the NFU are being joined by partners including the National Trust, Surrey Police, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and Mole Valley MP Sir Paul Beresford in talking to Surrey dog walkers. An awareness raising event will take place from 10.30am on Tuesday 10 August at the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey, near Dorking (car park RH5 6BD).

Surrey NFU Adviser Romy Jackson says: “Sadly, the number of dog attacks on farm animals remains unacceptably high and attacks are seriously impacting farmers’ livelihoods.

“As we’re seeing an above average number of people and pets in the countryside as the pandemic continues, we’re taking this opportunity to educate dog walkers. We hope to explain how farmers play a vital role in the management of the Surrey Hills, producing our food and caring for this wonderful landscape. We encourage people to show appreciation by keeping dogs on leads around livestock and picking up their poo which can be harmful to animals, especially cattle. Always bag and bin your dog’s poo – any bin will do.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I am concerned that farmers in our rural communities have noticed an increase in dog attacks on animals and livestock as many more residents and visitors have taken advantage of Surrey’s beautiful countryside in the past 18 months.

“I urge all dog owners to remember that livestock worrying is a crime that has a devastating impact both emotionally and financially. When walking your dog near livestock please ensure it is on a lead so that such incidents can be avoided and we can all enjoy our wonderful countryside.”

The NFU has successfully campaigned for changes to the law to curb out-of-control dogs and it is campaigning for leads to become law when dogs are walked near farm animals.

Last month, the NFU released the results of a survey that found almost nine out of 10 (82.39%) people questioned in the region said that visiting the countryside and farmland had improved their physical or mental wellbeing – with more than half (52.06%) saying it had helped improve both.

Countless popular rural tourist spots are on working farmland, with many farmers working hard to maintain footpaths and public rights of way so visitors can enjoy our beautiful countryside. One of the key lessons learned from the COVID-19 outbreak has been the importance of people adhering to the Countryside Code when they visit the countryside for exercise or recreation. However, the sheer volume of visitors during lockdown and subsequently did cause issues in some areas, with an increase in dog attacks on livestock among other problems including trespass.

Original news item shared courtesy of NFU South East.