Category: Communication and engagement

Have your say on the policing priorities for Surrey for the next three years

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

What would you like to see Surrey Police focus on in your local community over the next three years?

That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking the county’s residents as she launches a public consultation today which will help shape her new Police and Crime Plan.

Those who live and work in Surrey are being invited to have their say on what they think the policing priorities should be by filling in a brief survey.

It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation

The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.

Have your say

The answers will help the Commissioner complete her Plan, which will be a blueprint for policing in Surrey for the next three years and provides the basis for how she holds the Chief Constable to account.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

The development of the Plan is already underway, with the Commissioner’s office holding a series of in-depth consultation events over the last two months.

This has included speaking to a number of key groups in Surrey such as victim and survivor groups, young people, professionals in crime reduction and safety, rural crime groups and representatives from Surrey’s business community.

The Commissioner now wants to seek the views of the wider Surrey public on what they want to see in the Plan.

Policing priorities

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year. She was first elected in 2021 when she set her original Police and Crime Plan.

She said: “The single most important part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county is to represent you, the residents of Surrey.

“It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan. 

“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.

“Over the last four years, I have spoken with thousands of residents across our county and I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as road safety, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

‘The public’s priorities are my priorities’

“When I was re-elected in May, I pledged to focus on a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in Surrey which focuses on tackling those crimes that blight our communities and targeting persistent offenders. 

“This is a commitment I share with our Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and I believe this approach is already starting to pay dividends.

“However, the road ahead is not easy and there are challenges that Surrey Police must face in the coming years.

“There are significant financial savings that must be made, an ever-increasing demand on our policing teams and retaining our officers and staff in a tough job market.

Back to basics

“It is crucial that our resources are targeted where they are most needed, and Surrey Police finds the right balance between visible community policing and the need to combat that hidden criminality happening behind closed doors.

“I want my Police and Crime Plan to reflect a wide a range of views from people in every borough in Surrey on those issues that are important to them where they live.

“With that in mind, I ask you all to fill out my survey and let me know what you want to see in my plan. The consultation only takes just a few minutes so please do fill it in and let me know what you think.”

Lisa will be promoting the survey at the Policing Your Community roadshow, which is taking place around the county this autumn and winter. Sign up for your local event here.

Poll of 1,500 young people reveals the crime and policing issues that matter most to Surrey’s youth

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s young people have spoken on the crime and policing priorities that impact them most as part of a forum funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Safety at night-time, healthy relationships, sexual exploitation, trust in the police and anti-social behaviour are among the key issues for young people living in the county, a poll of around 1,500 people has revealed.

The results were revealed by members of the Surrey Youth Commission at a wide-ranging forum held in Woking in September.

Attendees at the Big Conversation Conference included officers from both Surrey Police and British Transport Police, Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and representatives from a range of key agencies including local authorities and charities.

Both Ellie and Lisa Townsend, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, chose to fund the Youth Commission in order to help put youth voice at the heart of policing in the county.

Applications to join the third year of the Youth Commission, which is organised and administered by Leaders Unlocked, are now being accepted.

For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/funding/surrey-youth-commission

The closing date for applications is November 22.

Ellie, who opened and closed the Big Conversation Conference, said: “Our brilliant Youth Commission members have provided us all an invaluable snapshot into the thoughts and feelings of young people in Surrey.

“Their priorities help us to better understand issues that matter most to them and their peers, from age groups who I know often feel as if their opinions go unheard.

“I want to thank every single Youth Commissioner, as well as everyone who shared their thoughts and priorities.

“They should be incredibly proud of the work they have achieved with their carefully-considered recommendations for policing, for our office, and for all of us working to support children and young people. I am certainly proud of them.

Young people share their priorities for police

“We will soon open applications once again, and I encourage young people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey to get in touch.” 

Kaytea Budd-Brophy, Senior Manager at Leaders Unlocked, said: “I am hugely proud of the Surrey Youth Commission members, who have been an amazing group of young people to work with.

“The members have worked tirelessly at the peer-to-peer engagement, reaching out to larger number of young people through the Big Conversation to explore the root causes and tangible solutions to the issues that young people in Surrey tell us they face.“

“We are absolutely delighted and excited to be starting to working with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, for a third year.”

A report on the latest recommendations from the Youth Commission will be available during the winter.

Members of the Surrey Youth Commission are pictured with Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, in red

Calling all young artists! Commissioner and Deputy launch annual Christmas card competition

Posted on | by Alex Winter

There’s no need to Claus a scene, but Christmas is just under three months away – and Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner needs a new illustrator for her festive cards. 

Children aged 11 and under are invited to put pen, pencil or paintbrush to A4 paper and submit their creative ho-ho-holiday designs by Monday, November 4 2024. 

This year’s theme is ‘the spirit of Christmas’. 

The winner will receive a family ticket to Bocketts Farm in Fetcham. If their design is submitted through their school, the school itself will also receive a £50 Amazon voucher. 

Two runners-up will also be chosen, both of whom will receive 12 Christmas cards printed with their own designs. 

It’s the third time the Commissioner and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, have opened a competition to Surrey’s young people. 

For the past two years, children supported by services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner were asked to submit their designs.  

In 2022, a young girl supported by domestic abuse charity I Choose Freedom was the winner.  

The following year, a young person supported by Catch-22’s Music To My Ears programme submitted the winning image. 

Festive cheer

Ellie, who has responsibility for the office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Receiving these designs from young people in Surrey is a real highlight of the year for the Commissioner and I. We look forward to it for months in advance. 

“I’d really encourage all Surrey residents to share this competition with the children they know. 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing their wonderful work.” 

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has a fund of £275,000 specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people in the 2024/25 financial year.

The Office also commissions the Surrey Youth Commission, which will begin recruiting in the coming weeks. 

“A real highlight”

The Youth Commission allows children and young people to have their say on the crime and policing issues affecting them. 

Lisa said: “I’m delighted to open this competition to all Surrey youngsters aged 11 and under. 

“Receiving the entries each year is a real highlight for Ellie and I, and it starts the festive season with a real bang.” 

Paper pictures sent by post are preferred. Pictures can also be accepted via email, although the original must be supplied if requested by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

The attached form must be filled out and included with each entry. 

Postal entries should be addressed to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, 3, The Drive, Sandy Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HE. 

Email entries should be submitted to ChristmasPCC@Surrey.Police.uk 

You’ll need to include your name and age, as well as the details of a parent or guardian’s name and a contact number or email address so that we can ask for permission to use your design. 

Have your say on the crime and policing issues that affect you as Policing Your Community roadshow returns this month

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey residents will be given the chance to have their say on the crime and policing issues that affect their community when a series of public engagement events returns this month.

Surrey Police’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend will launch the Policing Your Community roadshow in Guildford on Monday, September 23.

Events will take place in all 11 boroughs in the county during the autumn and winter before a final meeting takes place online in January.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable will be joined at each event by the Borough Commander responsible for that area’s local policing.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event to ask questions and learn more about the policing operations taking place where they live.

Community roadshow returns

Lisa is also preparing to launch the public consultation for her Police and Crime Plan, which will help shape the future of policing in Surrey. The Plan will inform the priorities for Surrey Police for the next four years. Current priorities include making Surrey’s roads safer and tackling violence against women and girls.

The Policing Your Community events will give residents the opportunity to learn more about how police resources are being used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost the fight against crime in Surrey.

The in-person events will run from 6.30pm-8pm, while the online event will run between 6pm and 7.30pm. All are free to attend, but those who wish to join are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

September 23 – Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, Guildford

October 7 – Banstead Community Centre, Reigate and Banstead

October 14 – Spelthorne Borough Council, Spelthorne

October 22 – Therfield School, Leatherhead, Mole Valley

October 29 – The Arc, Caterham, Tandridge

November 4 – Community and Wellbeing Centre, Epsom and Ewell

November 11 – Greenfield School, Woking

November 18 – Imber Court Sports Club, East Molesey, Elmbridge

November 25 – The Village Centre, Englefield Green, Runnymede

December 2 – Frimley Community Centre, Frimley, Surrey Heath

December 11 – Haslemere Museum, Haslemere, Waverley

The virtual event will take place on January 13 and will be screened live on Facebook.

Lisa, who was re-elected by Surrey residents earlier this year, said: “I’m delighted to announce the return of the Policing Your Community events, which offer residents the opportunity to learn more about what our policing teams are doing to tackle crime where they live.

“Last year, hundreds of residents joined us to ask questions and discuss the issues that concern them most.

“Anti-social behaviour, police visibility and road safety were among the most frequent topics raised, and both the Force and my team are tackling your concerns.

“Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role, and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key priority.

Listening to Surrey residents

“The Force is now the biggest it has been in a generation, with more officers on the ground than ever before, and we want to continue to boost the service that residents receive.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Surrey Police is determined to fight crime and protect people, to be there when we are needed and to earn public trust.

“These events enable me to listen to the people of Surrey and understand if we are achieving what we aim to do. It was a pleasure to meet so many people last year and learn about the concerns relating to crime and policing in their neighbourhoods.

“The feedback we received is reflected in the local policing plans which address the things that matter most in our communities.  

“I am really looking forward to joining the Police & Crime Commissioner on these visits to listen and talk to people in the areas where they live and work.”

For more information, or to sign up to an event, visit www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend sat with a member of Surrey Police contact staff

Commissioner hails dramatic improvement in 999 and 101 call answering times – as best results on record are achieved

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has hailed the dramatic improvement in how long it takes Surrey Police to answer calls for help after new figures revealed that current waiting times are the lowest on record.

The Commissioner said that in the last five months, Surrey Police has seen sustained progress in how quickly callers to the 999 and non-emergency 101 numbers are able to speak to contact centre staff.

The latest data shows that, as of this February, 97.8 per cent of 999 calls were answered within the national target of 10 seconds. This compares to only 54% in March last year, and is the highest data on Force record.

Meanwhile, the average time in February that it took Surrey Police to answer calls to the non-emergency 101 number fell to 36 seconds, the lowest wait times on Force record. This compares to 715 seconds in March 2023.

The figures have this week been verified by Surrey Police. In January 2024, the Force answered almost 93 per cent of 999 calls within ten seconds, BT has verified.

In January 2024, the Force answered almost 93 per cent of 999 calls within ten seconds. The February figures have been confirmed by the Force, and awaiting verification from call provider BT.

In December last year, a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS) highlighted concerns around the service residents receive when they contact police on 999, 101 and digital 101.

Inspectors visited Surrey Police during the summer as part of their Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) review. They rated the Force’s performance in responding to the public as ‘inadequate’ and said improvements were needed.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable also heard residents’ experiences of contacting Surrey Police during the recent ‘Policing Your Community’ roadshow where in-person and online events were held in all 11 boroughs across the county.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I know from speaking to residents that being able to get hold of Surrey Police when you need them is absolutely vital.

Lowest wait times on record

“Unfortunately there were times last year when residents calling 999 and 101 were not always getting the service they deserved and this was a situation that urgently needed to be addressed.

“I know how frustrating it has been for some people trying to get through, particularly to the non-emergency 101 during busy times.

“I have spent a lot of time in our contact centre seeing how our call handlers deal with the varied and often challenging calls they receive and they do a phenomenal job.

“But staff shortages were putting an incredible strain on them and I know the Force have been working incredibly hard to improve the situation and the service our public receive.

“Phenomenal job”

“My office has been supporting them throughout that process so I am delighted to see that the answering times are the best they have ever been.

“That means that when our residents do need to contact Surrey Police, they are having their call answered quickly and efficiently.

“This has not been a quick fix – we have seen these improvements sustained over the last five months.

“With the measures now in place, I am confident going forward that Surrey Police will maintain this level of service when responding to the public.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking at Policing your Community event in Woking

“We are listening” – Commissioner thanks residents as ‘Policing Your Community’ roadshow highlights priorities for Force

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has thanked residents for joining a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events held across the county this winter, saying that work by her office and Surrey Police is continuing to tackle the issues that matter most to local people.

Both in-person and online meetings were hosted by the Commissioner, the Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and the local policing commander in all 11 boroughs across Surrey between October and February.

Over 500 people took part and had the opportunity to pose their questions on policing where they live.

Visible policing, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and road safety emerged as top priorities for residents while burglary, shoplifting and contacting Surrey Police also featured as key issues they wanted to raise.

They said they wanted to see more police officers in their area carrying out work to prevent and support those affected by burglaries, theft and dangerous and anti-social driving.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking at Policing your Community event in Woking

In addition, more than 3,300 people completed the Commissioner’s council tax survey this year which asked residents to choose the three areas they most wanted the Force to focus on. Over half of those who responded said they were concerned about burglary and anti-social behaviour, followed by drugs and drug related crime and neighbourhood crime prevention. Around 1,600 people also added additional comments about policing in the survey.

The Commissioner said her message to Surrey residents was – ‘We are listening” and that the Chief’s new Plan for the Force is designed to take the fight to the criminals by relentlessly pursuing the most prolific offenders, tackling pockets of lawlessness and driving drug dealers and shoplifting gangs out of the county.

Anyone who missed the event for their area can watch the meeting back online here.

The Commissioner said over the coming weeks she will be highlighting some of the incredible work already being carried out by policing teams across the county and some of the projects her office is helping to fund to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour.

Since October, Surrey Police have seen improvements in the average time it takes to contact the Force and will be providing an update on this soon.

The Force have also seen improvements in the number of solved outcomes for serious violence, sexual offences and domestic abuse including stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour. A solved outcome represents a charge, caution, community resolution, or taken into consideration.

Following a 26% increase in shoplifting offences in 2023, Surrey Police are also working closely with retailers on a new way to report offences and have already carried out a major operation in December resulting in 20 arrests in a single day.

While the number of solved outcomes for domestic burglary have increased at a slower pace – this remains a key focus of the Force who are ensuring that officers attend every report of burglary in the county.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of residents and being their representative is the single most important part of my role as Commissioner for our wonderful county.

“The ‘Policing Your Community’ events coupled with the feedback we received in my council tax survey has given us a really important insight into residents’ experiences of policing across our county and the issues that concern them.

“It is vital that the public have their say on policing where they live and my message to them is – we are listening.

“We know how important it is for people to feel safe in their communities so we must make sure that Surrey Police is taking the right action to tackle issues such anti-social behaviour, road safety and burglary. And we must ensure that people can contact Surrey Police quickly when they need them.

“Surrey remains one of the safest counties in the country and the Force is now the biggest it has ever been. This means there are more officers and staff than ever before to protect our communities from not only visible crime, but also ‘hidden’ harms like online fraud and exploitation that account for over a third of all offences.

“Over the coming weeks we will be highlighting some of the incredible work already being carried out day in, day out by our hard-working police teams across the county and some of the exciting projects coming up that I believe will make our communities even safer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner walking through graffiti covered tunnel with two male police officers from the local team in Spelthorne

Chief Constable for Surrey Police Tim De Meyer said: “I am so grateful to all those who attended the ‘Policing Your Community’ events. It was extremely useful to be able to explain our plans for policing Surrey, and to receive feedback from the public.

“People were very supportive of our plans to improve our response to violence against women and girls, and of our determination to prevent crime and pursue criminals relentlessly.

“We are acting immediately on concerns in respect of issues such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour and have made good strides in many of the areas that matter most to those we are here to protect, in no small part thanks to the hard work of our officers and staff. I am sure that I shall be able to report good progress when we next meet with our communities.”

Surrey Police can be contacted by calling 101, via Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress – please call 999.

deep blue banner for 'Policing your Community' events with Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Surrey Police logos

Commissioner invites residents’ questions as ‘Policing your Community’ events continue

Posted on | by James Smith

Surrey Residents are invited to have their say on policing in their local community as our office and Surrey Police prepare to hold a new series of ‘Policing your Community’ events online this January.

An event discussing policing in each Borough and District will take place from 08–29 January 2024 and will offer residents the opportunity to put their questions the Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and the Borough Commander responsible for their area.

They follow events held in each area attended by over 300 people between October and December 2023.

New Chief Constable Tim De Meyer was appointed by the Commissioner in April and will talk about the current challenges and plans for Surrey Police. It is an important time for the Force, with more police officers in Surrey’s communities than ever before.

The events will also be held as the Commissioner consults residents on the amount of council tax they are willing to pay towards policing in the new financial year, that is combined with funding from central Government.

Events are free to attend but residents are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role as your Police and Crime Commissioner and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for the county.

“These events will give residents an opportunity to speak to us directly about the policing issues that matter where they live, as well as hear about the progress that my office and Surrey Police are making against that Plan which is based on the priorities of the public.

“Surrey Police has put more officers than ever before on the ground and is working hard to boost the service that residents receive. I hope that residents will join us online to learn more, and to have their say in the funding for Surrey Police that is vital to continue to provide the best possible service in 2024.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “We want to provide the best possible policing service and it is extremely important that our residents are kept up to date. These events will enable us to speak to the public about current challenges and our plans for Surrey Police and are an opportunity for you to ask questions. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible.”

Learn more about how your council tax helps to fund Surrey Police here.

Performance meeting graphic

Watch live: Commissioner to put questions to the Chief Constable in latest public performance meeting

Posted on | by James Smith

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, dog attacks and the latest crime trends will be among topics discussed when Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend holds her latest live performance meeting with the Chief Constable next week. 

A live stream of the Performance and Accountability Meeting where Lisa will put questions to Tim De Meyer on behalf of the public will be broadcast between 10:00-11:30am on Wednesday 25 October. 

You can watch the meeting here. 

If you have a question you want to ask about policing – you can join the meeting live or send us your questions in advance using our contact page. 

Other subjects on Wednesday’s agenda include the implications of the Public Order Act 2023 that is in final stages in parliament and an update on how the Force’s Problem Solving Team are tackling issues in our communities. 

The regular meeting forms a key part of the Commissioner’s role to scrutinise the service that Surrey Police provides to residents, including a review of performance measures that are publicly available for residents to view using our office’s Data Hub. 

It will focus on how the Force is delivering against the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan, that includes protecting people from harm, preventing violence against women and girls, ensuring safer Surrey roads and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents. 

The meeting comes as Tim marks his first six months as Surrey’s new Chief Constable and he will talk about the progress made in other key areas since he was started in April. 

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of Surrey Police is at the heart of my role as Commissioner. These public meetings are an important way for me to directly represent the voice of residents and I encourage Surrey residents to join this meeting to have their say on the service they receive.” 

Viewers will not need a Facebook account to watch the meeting but will need to login to ask questions.  

 A recording will be made available to view for anyone who can’t tune in on the night and promoted on our Facebook and YouTube channels. 

Join us in person

Residents can also find out more about policing where they live, by attending one of the ‘Policing your Community’ events being hosted by our Office and Surrey Police from 24 October – 29 January.  
 
The meetings offer a chance to speak directly to the Commissioner, Chief Constable and Borough Commander responsible for policing where you live and will take place in each of Surrey’s boroughs and districts and online. 
 
See the details of your event here. 

Dark blue graphic with heading, 'Policing your Community' and image of two female police officers behind text that says, 'Engagement events: Join Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and your local Borough Commander for an event discussing policing in your community. Further details of the events will be published on the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's website at surrey-pcc.gov.uk/policing-your-community Graphic contains white logos on blue background for Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Have your say on local policing as ‘Policing your Community’ roadshow returns

Posted on | by James Smith

Residents will get the chance to have their say on policing in their local communities as Surrey Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner team up to hold a series of public engagement events over the next three months.

The ‘Policing Your Community’ events will take place from 24 October 2023 – 29 January 2024 and offer residents the opportunity to put their questions about local policing to the Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and the Inspector responsible for the local policing where they live.

It comes at an exciting time for the Force, with more police officers in Surrey’s communities than ever before.

New Chief Constable Tim De Meyer was appointed by the Commissioner in April and will talk about the current challenges and plans for Surrey Police.

The events throughout this winter will also take place ahead of the Commissioner’s planned consultation on the amount that residents will contribute towards policing from next year’s council tax, giving residents a chance to learn more about how their money is used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost crime fighting across Surrey.

Arrival for in-person events begins at 6:30pm with presentations starting at 6:45pm. Events are free to attend but residents are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

For those that can’t make it, additional virtual events will take place online for each borough and district from Monday 08 January until 29 January 2024:

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role as your Police and Crime Commissioner and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for the county.

“These events will give residents an opportunity to speak to us directly about the policing issues that matter where they live, as well as hear about the progress that my office and Surrey Police are making against that Plan which is based on the priorities of the public.

“It is a really exciting time, as we put more officers than ever before on the ground and aim to boost the service that residents receive. I hope that residents will join us at the event in their area so we can include their voice in our policing plans.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “We want to provide the best possible policing service and it is extremely important that our residents are kept up to date. These events will enable us to speak to the public about current challenges and our plans for Surrey Police and are an opportunity for you to ask questions. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible.”

Performance and accountability meeting with Surrey Police. Watch Live 16 May 18:30-20:00. Send us your questions at surrey-pcc.gov.uk/contact-us

Commissioner invites public questions as she holds first performance meeting with Surrey’s new Chief Constable

Posted on | by James Smith

A live stream of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s first Public Performance Meeting with Surrey Police’s new Chief Constable will be broadcast next week.

The Commissioner will talk to Tim De Meyer about his vision for the Force and how he intends to tackle those issues important to residents at the meeting which starts at 6:30pm on Tuesday 16 May.

It will include an update on the Force’s performance, as well as questions from the public on key areas including response times and public confidence in the police.

You can watch it here.

It comes as Tim enters his seventh week as Surrey’s new Chief, after the Commissioner appointed him in January this year.

The regular meeting forms a key part of Lisa’s role to scrutinise the service that Surrey Police provides to residents, including a review of performance measures that are publicly available for residents to view using the office’s new Data Hub.

It will specifically focus on how the Chief will lead delivery against the priorities in her Police and Crime Plan that is informed by Surrey residents and stakeholders. It includes improving road safety, preventing violence against women and girls, supporting young people and tackling anti-social behaviour.

The meeting will address a recent decline in 101 and 999 answering times, focusing on measures being put in place to improve the response that callers receive.

The Commissioner will also ask about the positive steps that Surrey Police is taking to root out misogyny and inappropriate behaviour in its ranks, alongside the success of the Force’s recruitment campaign that means there are now more police officers in the ranks than ever before.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I was delighted to welcome Tim to the Force in April and I know he has wasted no time in getting to grips with the challenges that lie ahead.

““Holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of Surrey Police is at the heart of my role as your Commissioner. So I am really pleased to get this first opportunity to talk to Tim publicly about his fresh perspective on policing in Surrey and how he intends to tackle those issues that residents tell me are important to them.

“Members of the public can get involved by sharing their questions and views, so that my office and Surrey Police can work together to improve the service for everyone.”

Viewers will not need a Facebook account to watch the meeting live but will need to login to ask questions. You can also share your questions for the meeting in advance using our contact page.

A recording will be made available to view for anyone who can’t tune in on the night.