Deputy Commissioner Archives - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey

On left, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and on right, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend. Both are standing in front of a Christmas tree and wearing red. They are holding up a Christmas card with a hand-drawn snowman picture on the front.

Commissioner’s Christmas card competition opens with call to young artists in Surrey

Posted on 9th September 2025 | by Alex Winter

Summer may just be coming to an end, but if you’re anything like Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, yule already be thinking about Christmas.

Lisa Townsend and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, are today launching their annual Christmas competition – and they’re looking for a brilliant young artist to design their festive cards.

Children working with any of Surrey’s youth services are invited to put pen, pencil or paintbrush to A4 paper and submit their creative ho-ho-holiday designs by Friday, 31st October 2025.

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in Surrey’. The winner will receive a £100 Amazon voucher, and their design will be sent to MPs, leaders in public service and charitable sectors, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister.

Any child or young person involved with a Surrey youth service can enter the competition. That includes those who:

Attend any youth club or project in the county

Require additional SEND support

Are members of any YMCA programme

Have received help from Mindworks Surrey

Are involved in any youth-based organisation, such as the Surrey Youth Cabinet

It also includes those involved with organisations that the Commissioner and her team help to fund.

These include mental health charity Eikon, Catch22, an organisation supporting young people at risk of criminal exploitation, and the Surrey Youth Commission, which allows its members to have their say on crime and policing issues.

“The most wonderful time”

Lisa, who helps to fund a range of organisations through her Children and Young People’s Fund, said: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Ellie and I choose our winner for the annual Christmas card competition.

“I’d urge everyone involved with any of Surrey’s youth services to create a design for us.

“We are very excited to see this year’s entries.”

It’s the fourth time the Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner have opened a competition to Surrey’s young people.

Last year’s winner, seven-year-old Felix, painted a cheerful snowman, and was rewarded with a family trip to Bockett’s Farm.

Competition launches

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

In 2022, a girl supported by domestic abuse charity I Chose Freedom was the winner, and the following year, a young person who attends Catch-22’s Music To My Ears Programme submitted the winning design.

Ellie, who has responsibility for the office’s focus on children and young people and leads the Surrey Youth Commission, said: “The Commissioner and I look forward to this competition throughout the year.

“I encourage all Surrey residents to share this competition widely.

“The standard of entries has been consistently high for the past four years, and we’re sure to see some brilliant artworks in 2025 too.”

How to enter

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.

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

For more information, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/christmas2025

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman, stands against a five bar gate. She wears a Barbour jacket in green, jeans, and Hunter wellington boots. Behind her are sheep.

“Your reports matter”: Deputy Commissioner launches Rural Crime Forum with Surrey Police

Posted on 14th August 2025 | by Alex Winter

THOSE who live and work in the Surrey countryside are invited to share their concerns on rural and wildlife crime at a new forum next month.

The first Rural Crime Forum, hosted by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police leads, will take place in Busbridge, Godalming on Monday, September 15.

During the evening, members of the public will have the opportunity to talk to the team about the issues that most concern them.

Ellie, who is on the board of the National Rural Crime Network, holds the rural crime remit for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Rural crime forum launches

She has recently written to the Home Secretary to call for legislation around catapult ownership and use to be tightened so police are able to take effective action.

Earlier this summer, Ellie also raised awareness of the dangers of livestock worrying by dogs, a key concern for farmers in Surrey, and she has previously warned of the links between organised criminality and thefts from farms.

She said: “Rural crime is not always well-understood, but it can have a grave impact on wider society.

“I often visit rural communities through my work, and I am aware that theft, anti-social behaviour, trespass, fly-tipping and livestock worrying are among the most serious concerns.

Have your say

“It is crucial that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say.

“I am often told that those impacted by rural crime feel there is little point in reporting. It is true that more must be done to tackle criminality impacting our countryside in Surrey.

“But I hope that this forum will reassure residents that we do take rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter.

“During the evening, those who attend will have the opportunity to speak to senior leaders from Surrey Police and hear more about the work that is going on in our countryside.

“Distressing”

“Being a victim of any crime can be hugely distressing and isolating, a reaction that is often pronounced in more remote rural communities.

“Rural and agricultural crime affects more than just its immediate victims. It can impact jobs, the environment and the economy.

“The theft of high-value equipment has also been linked to organised criminality, resulting in huge profits to some of society’s worst offenders.

“If you live or work in a rural community, we welcome you to the first Rural Crime Forum.”

The event will take place at Busbridge Village Hall between 6pm and 7.30pm. Sign up by following this link.

The image shows a group of people looking at the camera. Most are wearing a high-visibility uniform. They are the Surrey Search and Rescue volunteers. Also among the group are two blonde women wearing jeans and jackets. These women are Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson. Everyone is looking at the camera and smiling. They are standing in a concrete car park, and it is night time.

The volunteers making a life-or-death difference to some of Surrey’s vulnerable missing people

Posted on 11th August 2025 | by Alex Winter

A team of specially-trained volunteers – and their dogs – are on call in Surrey 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to search for lost or missing people.

Surrey Search and Rescue is one of the busiest lowland teams in the UK, and their work can make a life-or-death difference to the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Volunteers, all of whom are members of the public, are trained to give first aid to those in need before evacuating them to safety.

Searches can be carried out across a range of terrain, including woodland, farmland, in urban environments, and near water. There is also an aerial capacity using drones.

Around 80 people volunteer their time to the organisation, helping to search for some of the 2,100 people who go missing in Surrey each year.

In late July, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined the team for a training exercise in woodland near Guildford.

During the evening, volunteers trained their dogs to search over large distances. Both Lisa and Ellie were recruited to hide in the woods for the dogs to find.

The Commissioner said: “This voluntary specialist search team support Surrey Police and other emergency services to find missing vulnerable adults and children.

“No matter the time of day or night, teams respond as quickly as possible to minimise the time a person is at risk.

Unsung heroes

“They operate in farmland, urban areas and woodland, while some volunteers specialise in water rescues and search dog training.

“Surrey Search and Rescue relies wholly on donations, and the work of these unsung heroes is absolutely invaluable.

“Seeing the team in action has been fantastic, and although we’ve had just a brief glimpse of the challenges they face, it’s so impressive to see their professionalism and dedication.”

Ellie said: “I’d like to thank everyone who gives their time to Surrey Search and Rescue to support the emergency services and help save the lives of some truly vulnerable people.”

Deputy Commissioner honours first Surrey Constabulary officer to die in the line of duty

Posted on 29th July 2025 | by Chantal Robehmed

Image shows a bouquet of white flowers and a note which reads: "With eternal gratitude for your hard work keeping Surrey safe, and the ultimate sacrifice you made in doing so. Lisa Townsend, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and all at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner."

Wednesday, July 30 marks the 170^th anniversary of the death of the first police officer from Surrey Constabulary killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined serving and retired police officers, town councillors and local residents to commemorate Inspector William Donaldson.

The memorial service, held annually on the last Sunday of July on Memorial Green in Haslemere, was also attended by Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandchildren, Jane Matthews and Henry Pelham.

Cllr Jacquie Keen MBE, Deputy Mayor of Haslemere, led the service alongside Rev Justin Manley-Cooper and Chair of the Police Remembrance Trust, Rev David Wilbraham.

The picture shows a group of people standing on a green. They include people in formal police dress and a reverend, who is speaking into a microphone.

‘Hero of Haslemere’

Inspector William Donaldson, known as the ‘Hero of Haslemere,’ was violently attacked in Haslemere town centre by a group of railway labourers known as navvies on the night of the July 29 1855.

Donaldson, along with Constable James Freestone, had been patrolling pubs in the area to check that they were closing in time for the Sabbath.

Arriving at The King’s Arms, they found a group of navvies celebrating receipt of their fortnightly wages. When Inspector Donaldson told them to leave, most of them complied except for Thomas Woods, who took offence to having to be forced to depart.

Groups of navvies were still milling about the town, and when the officers told them to disperse, a brawl started.

During the scuffles, one of the mob, David Smith, was arrested and taken to the town’s lock-up. Angered by the arrest, a group of 30 navvies marched up to Market House – now known as Haslemere Town Hall – and the location of where their friend was being held, demanding his release.

‘Murder, murder’

When Inspector Donaldson refused, Thomas Woods hit him over the head with an iron bar, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was kicked and stamped on by other attackers in the mob. Constable Freestone was also badly injured but was saved by two local residents who heard his cry of “murder, murder” and came to help.

Inspector Donaldson was taken to his home, where it is believed that upon seeing his wife Janet at the door, whispered: “My dear wife, I am dying.” These were to be his last words.

Inspector Donaldson died at 3am on July 30 1855 due to a fracture of his skull. He was 47.

Image shows an officer in formal uniform holding a flag. Beside him, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson - a blonde woman wearing a black dress - kneels to place flowers beside a building.

‘An honour’

The Deputy Commissioner said: “It was an honour to be present at the service to pay my respects and commemorate Inspector Donaldson.

“He is, rightly, remembered now as the ‘Haslemere Hero’ for his dedication to keeping the town safe, for which he made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Remembering William and the bravery shown by him and his colleagues that night brings a stark reminder of the threats our officers still face to this day.

“We remember William alongside the 26 other Surrey officers who have died in the line of duty since, and I am incredibly grateful to the wonderful officers serving our county today, wearing their uniform with pride whilst keeping Surrey safe.

“As with William and James on July 29 1855, our officers continue to run towards danger in order to protect our communities, and I know that William’s sense of service lives on in Surrey Police today.”

‘So proud’

Inspector Donaldson’s great-great-grandson Henry Pelham, 83, said: “He makes me feel so proud, it still brings a lump to my throat.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t mention his name.”

At the service, Henry Pelham presented a cheque for £1,100 to Rev David Wilbraham in support of the Police Remembrance Trust from the proceeds of his book, Inspector William Donaldson 1807 – 1855, The First Surrey Police Officer to be killed in the Line of Duty.

The Police Remembrance Trust is custodian of the UK Police Roll of Honour and records the name of almost 5,000 officers who have died on duty. There are 27 Surrey police officers recorded on the Roll.

Image shows four people looking into the camera. On the left and right are two people in police uniform holding flags. In the middle is Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman in a black dress, and an officer with medals.

Deputy Commissioner joins countywide fight against fraud and serious organised crime

Posted on 28th July 2025 | by Chantal Robehmed

A series of disruption and engagement days have taken place across the county to tackle serious organised crime and raise awareness of rogue trading, fraud and scams.

The events, organised by the Surrey Organised Crime (SOC) Partnership, included action days which resulted in a series of arrests, as well as engagement stands in Mole Valley, Runnymede and Waverley.

Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined the engagement stand where advice was shared with members of the public.

Elsewhere, roads policing teams and partners including the Driving Vehicle Standards Agency carried out checks on the A24 in Dorking, Hardwick Lane in Chertsey, and the B2130 Godalming to Cranleigh road.

Seven arrests

The teams conducted stop checks on commercial vehicles and the waste carriage industry.

Across the three locations, 96 vehicles were stopped, with 10 vehicles being seized and seven arrests made for drug driving.

One vehicle was found to be overloaded in excess of two tonnes and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) checked 62 fuel samples.

More than 600 people in Dorking, Chertsey and Farnham also visited stands run by Surrey Police’s Safer Communities Teams and the Economic Crimes Unit, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and Age UK.

Advice given

Advice was given about doorstep rogue trading, financial abuse, investment fraud and romance scams.

Ellie said: “The brilliant results achieved across these six days of action are testament to the strong collaboration between partners to tackle fraud and support residents”.

“Proactive engagement not only disrupts criminal enterprises on the ground but also works to protect Surrey residents and businesses for the future.

“Over half of crime committed in Surrey is fraud – it is this country’s fastest growing type of crime, with almost half of all adults being targeted, and perpetrators are using increasingly clever methods to target victims.

“A clear message”

“The partnership work including these events are a clear message to serious organised crime networks that we are working to disrupt activity, protect vulnerable people and make our communities safer.”

Lee Ormandy, chair of the Surrey SOC Partnership Board, said: “We will continue to bring together the expertise and resources of various agencies, enabling an effective and comprehensive approach to tackling SOC and protecting vulnerable individuals and businesses.

“By working together, we achieve outcomes that would be difficult or impossible for individual agencies to achieve alone.”

How to keep safe online and by phone:

Always question and verify unsolicited calls, texts or emails requesting your personal or financial information such as name, address or bank details. Contact the company directly using a known email or phone number before sharing any personal or sensitive information.
Install up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall on your computer. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security.
Do not click on links in unexpected emails and text messages, even if they look genuine. Banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Call your bank instead using a known phone number or email or use a phone number from a genuine piece of correspondence or the back of your bank card.
Use Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company and adds an additional layer of security to online transactions with signed-up retailers.
Check your credit file regularly through companies such as Callcredit, Equifax and Experian, and look for any suspicious entries you don’t recognise.

How to keep safe from rogue traders:

Try to avoid talking to unexpected ‘tradespeople’ at your door as it is unusual that legitimate tradespeople will cold call you.
If possible, get quotes for work from at least three different companies.
Check that the trader is registered with an accredited trade body and an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.
Avoid paying for work at your doorstep and do not go to a cash machine if asked to by a trader.
Remember that even if you sign a contract, you are legally entitled to a 14-day cancellation period.
Make sure to report any rogue traders and scams to Trading Standards.

Report all incidents of doorstep crime to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or to the police on 101.

In the event of an emergency, call 999.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, a blonde woman who wears a beige roll-neck jumper, looks directly into the camera. Her expression is stern and her arms are folded.

Deputy Commissioner says catapults must be treated similarly to knives in letter to ministers

Posted on 16th July 2025 | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to tighten up laws on the sale and possession of catapults.

In a letter Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ellie Vesey-Thompson said there is an urgent need for further action.

Ellie warned catapults must be subject to the same rules as knives, giving police greater powers to crack down on those who use them as weapons.

It comes as attacks on wild fowl spike in Surrey. The Shepperton Swan Sanctuary has rescued around 30 wounded birds this year, and a similar number are believed to have died through injuries sustained by projectiles fired from catapults.

Sanctuary volunteer Danni Rogers started a petition calling for the sale of catapults and petition to be made illegal. It received more than 10,000 signatures, including that of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.

The previous Government responded to the petition with a statement that says existing legislation provides the “correct balance between protecting wildlife… whilst also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes”.

Police officers can use their powers to deal with offences involving catapults, but Ellie said additional power of seizure to prevent criminal behaviour would support communities across the country.

Catapults are also linked to anti-social behaviour in Surrey. In 2024, cars parked at a church were targeted with projectiles in a Tandridge village, and there have been reports of animals seriously injured when they were fired at in Ash Vale during May.

“Treat catapults as we would knives”

Ellie said: “I am urging the Government to listen to the concerns of Surrey’s residents.

“It is time to start treating catapults as we would knives. Anyone caught with one must have a legitimate purpose for doing so, and it should be their responsibility to prove that purpose if they’re stopped by the police.

“Attacks on wild birds are increasing in Surrey. In late February, a swan was rescued from the banks of the Thames in Staines with a missile lodged in its head.

“The previous month, a duck was severely injured by a ball-bearing fired from a catapult.

Horror injuries

“In May, people with catapults were seen at Chertsey Bridge firing at swans and ducks, and just over the border in Fleet, Hampshire, a male swan suffered an extensive facial injury at a nature reserve, while the body of a goose with similar injuries was also found.

“Both had been attacked with ball bearings fired from a catapult.

“The connection between catapults and both anti-social behaviour and vandalism are clear. These are key concerns for residents, and the time has come for stronger measures to tackle this type of offending.

“These incidents are deeply distressing. In the wrong hands, catapults can be deadly, and more legislation is urgently needed.”

Read Ellie’s letter here.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson sits on a straw bale with a lamb in her lap. The lamb is looking up at her, and Ellie is smiling and looking down at the lamb.

Deputy Commissioner’s dog-walking plea as lambs are seriously hurt in “appalling” attack

Posted on 28th May 2025 | by Alex Winter

A DOG attack in the countryside has left lambs seriously injured – as Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner urges owners to keep pets on leads.

Ellie Vesey-Thompson visited a farm in Dorking this month with officers from Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Team.

During the visit, the farmer showed her lambs which had been badly hurt in an attack days before. One had been bitten to the face, and its top lip torn away.

The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep in a single dog attack.

Livestock worrying, an offence in the UK, includes barking, chasing, biting and killing.

The crime causes huge distress and financial loss in the farming community.

Even if a dog doesn’t catch a sheep, serious damage can be caused, with the stress causing some of the animals to die or ewes to miscarry lambs.

Sheep fleeing from dogs can also be killed or seriously injured during panicked attempts to escape.

“Keep dogs on a lead”

Ellie said: “Surrey is home to many responsible dog-owners who deeply cherish their pets.

“But even the most trusted of dogs can behave in surprising or shocking ways.

“The only way to be sure that a dog won’t chase farm animals is to keep them on a lead at all times.

“The weather in recent weeks has been beautiful, and many of us will be enjoying walks in Surrey’s lovely countryside.

“But while the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and thoughtful while walking their pets, in some cases, complacency has led to appalling incidents.

Lambs attacked

“During my visit to Dorking, I saw lambs that had been seriously hurt in a dog attack. One had suffered horrific injuries to its face, losing its top lip.

“While I’m pleased that lamb is recovering well, others that were more seriously hurt remain critically unwell, and, despite excellent care and treatment, sadly may not recover.

“The same farmer has previously lost almost 30 sheep to a single dog attack. This is an absolutely horrific incident that could so easily have been prevented by the simple action of putting a dog on a lead.

“It can be hard for people to even imagine that a beloved family pet could chase, injure, or even kill another animal.

“Traumatising”

“But all dogs are capable of this, regardless of their breed or size.

“Even if a dog doesn’t make contact with an animal, the distress and exhaustion from being chased can still lead to deaths.

“Livestock attacks are traumatising and can be devastating, for the livestock, for the farmer, and for the dog owner too.

“There’s one very simple way to make sure incidents like these never happen, and that’s to put dogs on a lead.

Act responsibly

“This spring and summer, please make sure you’re acting responsibly to keep your dog and all livestock safe.”

A spokesperson for the National Sheep Association (NSA) said: “To ensure both livestock and dogs are kept safe from injury or even worse, NSA urges dog owners to keep their pets on a lead whenever you suspect sheep could be grazing nearby.

“It is also important to ensure your dogs are secure in your home or garden.

“Dogs straying from their own homes is another common cause of devastating sheep worrying attacks, potentially leading to sheep prolonged suffering until the impact of the incident is discovered.”

Commissioner and Deputy step into Christmas with festive design by seven-year-old from Reigate

Posted on 19th December 2024 | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have sent out their Christmas cards – which feature a festive illustration drawn by a seven-year-old boy from East Surrey.

Lisa Townsend and Ellie Vesey-Thompson invited children from across the county to submit artwork for their 2024 card.

The winning design was sent in by Felix Taylor, who lives in Reigate. Felix decided to post the Commissioner his drawing after his school shared news of the competition in a weekly parent communication email.

He will enjoy his prize – a family trip to Bocketts Farm – with his brother and sister, five-year-old twins Edith and Oscar.

Mum Jennifer said Felix gets his love of art from his grandad, and the two often spend time drawing together.

It’s the third time Lisa and Ellie have asked young artists to send in their work for the Christmas card, and the first time the competition has been opened to the public.

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.

Last year’s photograph was taken by a young person supported by charity Catch22, which works with those affected by criminal exploitation. The previous year, the wining artwork was sent in by I Choose Freedom, which provides refuge to women and children escaping harm.

Festive cheer

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.

Lisa said: “It is a real privilege to serve everyone living in this wonderful county.

“I’m very proud of the work that is done by my office and our brilliant partners, and I look forward to achieving more for residents in 2025.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and new year.”

Ellie said: “We both absolutely loved Felix’s festive design, and he was our clear winner.

“On the back of this year’s card, we’ve shared the best ways to contact Surrey Police – so we expect that this card will still be stuck to fridges around the county long into next year!”

A lovely snowman design by Reigate schoolboy Felix, seven, is the winner of this year’s Christmas card competition

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

Posted on 11th October 2024 | 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

Ellie Vesey-Thompson reappointed as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for another term

Posted on 24th June 2024 | by Alex Winter

Ellie Vesey-Thompson has been formally reappointed as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.

Ellie is committed to continuing her work giving young people a voice in policing, putting a renewed focus on policing issues in rural communities, and listening to the views of officers and staff.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend appointed Ellie as her deputy following her first election win in 2021. Ellie will now continue in her role after Lisa was successfully re-elected last month for the next PCC term, which ends in 2028.

Ellie attended a confirmation hearing with Surrey’s Police and Crime Panel on Thursday last week. Members recommended her reappointment.

She has a background in policy, communications and youth engagement, and holds both a degree in Politics and a Graduate Diploma in Law.

Deputy reappointed

“It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for the past three years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue in role. I am really proud of what we have already achieved since I was first appointed in 2021,” Ellie said.

“We have supported a broad range of organisations and services across Surrey with millions of pounds of funding, including through the dedicated Children and Young People’s Fund introduced by the Commissioner and I.

“This has supported a variety of projects and initiatives, including our innovative teacher training programme to help tackle violence against women and girls from a young age, Safer Streets projects to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in many communities across our county, and projects aimed at diverting young people away from crime and exploitation.

Years of success

“Tackling rural crime, empowering young people, supporting veterans, and listening to frontline officers and staff are the four main pillars of my role in Surrey.

“I was delighted to launch Surrey’s first-ever Youth Commission, which allows young people to have a say on policing in the county. The Youth Commission are now in their second year, and I continue to oversee their work and look forward to hearing their latest set of recommendations in the autumn.

“Engaging with our farmers and other members of our rural communities is incredibly important to me, to help build confidence in policing and encourage better reporting of rural crime.

“Over the last three years, I have met and spent time with many Surrey Police officers and members of staff across a range of different policing teams.

“I will continue to be an advocate”

“I have seen at close quarters the dedication and hard work that goes into keeping our county safe.

“I will continue to be an advocate for the fantastic policing service they provide.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Ellie has played a key part in helping me represent the views of the public in how police our county and I am delighted to welcome her formally back to the role of Deputy.

“When I was elected in May, I pledged to focus on my policing priorities on what our residents want to see – our officers doing the job only they can, investigating and solving crime and taking offenders off our streets.

“I believe Ellie is the right person to help me deliver on that promise and we are already working together on drawing up my new Police and Crime Plan for the county.”