Category: News

Have your say as ‘Policing your Community’ events return online

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey are once more teaming up to invite residents to have their say in a new series of public engagement events across Surrey.

The events in January and February will be held online, but will still provide an opportunity to ask the PCC, Chief Constable an Borough Commander responsible for policing in your community, about the issues that matter most to you.

There will also be a chance to talk to Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro about proposals for the 2021-22 Council Tax Precept and to take part in his public consultation launched in January.

PCC David Munro said: “After an extremely difficult year for so many in our communities, this year’s events offer an even more valuable opportunity to be involved and have your say in policing where you live.

“Setting the policing element of the council tax is one of the most vital tasks a PCC has to make.Engaging directly with our communities over the next few weeks will also maximise the opportunities for the Surrey public to have their say in that decision.”

Residents are urged see more details on the event for their area on our Engagement Events page.

PCC welcomes commitment to strengthening policing service following government settlement for 2021/22

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has welcomed this year’s government settlement for policing announced yesterday saying it will enable Surrey Police to maintain its recruitment of extra officers and staff.

The Home Office today revealed their funding package for 2021/22 which includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra officers nationally by 2023.

The combination of last year’s council tax precept in Surrey and the officer uplift promised by government meant Surrey Police have been able to strengthen their establishment by 150 officers and staff during 2020/21.

Yesterday’s settlement gives PCC’s the flexibility to raise a maximum of £15 a year on an average Band D property through the precept for the next financial year. This equates to around 5.5% across all council tax property bands and would provide an additional £7.4m for policing in Surrey.

Once the Commissioner has finalised his precept proposal in the coming days – he will be consulting with the Surrey public in early January.

However the PCC said he remains troubled that the funding formula used to calculate the settlement remains unchanged meaning once again Surrey has received the lowest level of grant of all forces.

To read the Home Office announcement – click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/police-to-receive-more-than-15-billion-to-fight-crime-and-recruit-more-officers

PCC David Munro said: “The settlement announcement does show the government remains committed to strengthening our police service which is good news for our communities in Surrey.

“We obviously need to take stock and work through the finer details of today’s announcement and I will be working with the Chief Constable in the coming days to finalise my precept proposal for the next financial year.

“I will then be consulting with the public in January and I’m really keen to hear the views of residents on both my proposal and the police service in this county.

“Whilst the settlement does represent good news, I remain disappointed that Surrey residents will in effect continue to pay a larger proportion of the cost of their policing than anyone else in the country.

“I believe the police funding formula is fundamentally flawed and I wrote to the Home Secretary earlier this year urging the need for a root-and-branch review to make it a fairer system. I will continue to press that point over coming months to fight for fairer funding for policing in this county.”

“One death is too many.” – Surrey PCC responds to fresh call for ‘Stanley’s Law’

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has responded to fresh calls for ‘Stanley’s Law’, to license the use of air guns in England and Wales.

The call follows the announcement of a new Government consultation on the use of air guns in England and Wales.

A review into air gun law was held by The Government in 2017, after the accidental death of 13 year old Ben Wragge by a friend the same year. It was followed by the death of six year old Stanley Metcalf involving an air gun in 2018.

The PCC for Surrey said: “While the number of deaths from these weapons is small, one death is still too many. The tragic deaths of Ben and Stanley should never be forgotten.

“But there are many implications to the licensing of airguns, including the potential significant burden on police forces to meet demand.

“I welcome the new consultation by Government that proposes that the existing control and access to air guns is strengthened; in particular to ensure that those under 18 years of age are prevented from unsupervised use that could cause serious harm.”

Since 2005, it is estimated that air guns have been responsible for 25 fatalities in the UK. It is believed that in nine cases, the person holding the air gun was under 18.

While air weapons are not currently licensed in England and Wales, it is illegal to carry an air gun in a public place, or for a person under the age of 14 to use an air gun unsupervised.

The current law does allow for under 18’s to use an airgun under the supervision of an adult over 21 years old, and for a child over 14 years of age to use an airgun unsupervised on private premises, with the permission of the land owner.

Guns including air guns above a set power require a license and are subject to strict firearms regulations.

Licensing of air guns is already in place in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Police Scotland has seen considerable demand for licenses in the last three years.

A new Government consultation announced in November does not propose licensing, but suggests the removal from law of unsupervised use of air guns by those as young as 14 years old, and the strengthening of rules on the use and safekeeping of air guns.

Surrey PCC David Munro added: “I urge that the results of this consultation are widely shared, and that there is a clearly communicated plan to review any changes made after a suitable period of time.

“We all have a responsibility to prevent a situation in which these weapons could be misused.”

Full steam ahead for new Surrey Police HQ as project enters next phase

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

A design team has been appointed and the demolition of one of the vacant buildings completed at the site where a new Surrey Police headquarters and operational base will be built.

The move marks the start of the next phase of the project to replace a number of existing sites, including the current HQ in Guildford, with a state of the art facility in Leatherhead.

The former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site on Cleeve Road in the town was bought last year for £20.5m following a detailed search to identify a location in a more central area of Surrey.

Since then work has been underway to satisfy all legal requirements and ready the 10-acre site for the first stage of development. A Programme Director and project team have been successfully recruited and the external consultant design team is now in place to help develop and finalise detailed plans for the new base.

The multi-disciplinary design team will be led by architects Scott Brownrigg, with Project Managers MACE & Quantity Surveyors, Ryder Levett Bucknall also supporting the project, all of which were appointed following a detailed tender process over recent months.

The Leatherhead base will become an operational hub housing specialist teams as well as chief officers and senior leadership team, support, corporate functions and training facilities. It will replace the existing Mount Browne HQ and Woking Police Station in addition to replacing Reigate Police Station as the main Eastern divisional base. Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to operate from all eleven boroughs including Woking and Reigate.

Further sites at Burpham and Godstone where the Roads Policing Team and Tactical Firearms Unit are based will also be moved to the new location.

The sale of those five sites will fund a significant proportion of the cost of buying and developing the new Leatherhead base and the Force hopes the new building will be fully operational in around four to five years’ time.
The move is part of an extensive estates project to deliver long-term savings by moving out, and disposing of, some of the current outdated and costly buildings.

In their place, an efficient estate will be created that will allow the Force to work in new ways and meet the challenges of modern policing. The new site will also benefit from being a more central location in the county in close proximity to the M25 and the town’s railway station.

The new HQ will also provide a central Surrey hub for Roads Policing and Tactical Firearms teams. Guildford and Staines police stations will be retained, accommodating Western and Northern divisional teams.

The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro and Chief Constable Gavin Stephens visited the site back in March before the Covid-19 lockdown to see the demolition work begin.

The PCC said: “The plans for our new headquarters site have been gathering pace in recent months and we have reached an exciting milestone in the project.

“We want to build a new base that is fit for a modern police force and felt Scott Brownrigg provided a really exciting vision of what that could look like.

“I was delighted to see first-hand the progress that is being made when I visited the site back in March and since then it has been full steam ahead despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I believe this project will not only provide Surrey Police with a much better working environment for our officers and staff but will also hopefully give a welcome boost to the local economy.

“Since we purchased the site last year there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get to this point and we still have a long road ahead.

“However the project team is now complete and we can look forward to putting those detailed plans in place that will help shape the future of policing in this county.”

Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said: “It’s great to see such tangible progress in our plan to build a state of the art headquarters and operational base.

“Moving to the centre of the county makes good sense for us, as does selling some of our outdated and costly buildings and replacing them with a purpose-built, efficient estate.

“The move will not alter our local policing presence at all; we are committed to making sure our officers are there whenever they are needed. I especially want to reassure residents of Woking and Reigate, where we will be closing sites, that neighbourhood policing teams will still have bases in both areas.

“The new HQ and eastern base will be a high quality, flexible and sustainable building that fulfils our aspiration to become part of the local community and allows us to meet the challenges of providing an outstanding policing service for the people of Surrey.”

Erika Gemmell, Scott Brownrigg Director said: “Scott Brownrigg are delighted to be helping Surrey Police create their new Operational HQ. Focusing on sustainability and collaboration, this new facility will be a home for the invaluable work the Force undertakes across the county. Within a setting that promotes diversity and inclusion, it will offer a new highly efficient and agile working environment.”

Fearless for three more years! – PCC extends funding for Crimestoppers youth service in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The independent charity Crimestoppers youth service ‘Fearless.org’ will continue in Surrey for at least another three years after Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro agreed to extend the funding for its dedicated outreach worker.

Fearless.org offers young people non-judgemental advice so they can make informed decisions about reporting crime and allows them to give information 100% anonymously, using a secure form on the charity’s website.

The Fearless outreach worker Emily Drew actively engages with young people across Surrey and provides education about the consequences of their choices around crime.

That message is reinforced through campaigns that encourage safe and anonymous reporting of issues such as knife and drug crime and those involved with County Lines – including speaking up about those who regularly carry weapons.

Since its launch in Surrey in 2018, Emily has spoken to over 7,000 local young people and provided training for over 1,000 professionals including GPs, social workers and teachers.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, she has been carrying out online Fearless.org education sessions, which have been attended by more than 500 people from across the county.

There has also been a big focus on reaching young people through social media with a recent campaign focused on spotting the warning signs of exploitation from drug gangs.

PCC David Munro has agreed to continue funding Emily’s Fearless role through a grant from his Community Safety Fund, which helps projects large and small improve community safety across the county.

He said: “For our young people in particular, the last year has been an extremely testing period with disruption to their schooling and exams at such an important stage in their lives.

“Sadly there will be criminals trying to exploit the situation and target our young people during these uncertain times.”

“Violent crime and the threats posed by ‘County Lines’ gangs recruiting teenagers to become part of their drug supply operation, are very real issues that police here in Surrey are tackling right now.

“The role Emily is doing through Fearless is invaluable in helping empower our young people to make their communities safer, which is why I was delighted to extend the funding so she can continue the important work she is doing across the county over the next three years.”

Surrey’s Fearless Outreach Worker Emily Drew, said: “Since launching Fearless.org in Surrey two years ago, we have been reaching out to thousands of young people and professionals across the county to spread the Fearless message.

“The response has been amazing but we want to go even further so I’m delighted this funding will enable us to continue the work we’ve started over the next three years.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with a number of challenges but now that children are back in school, we will be looking to provide more of those inputs direct into the classroom. If any schools or organisations in Surrey would like a free session, then please get in touch!”

Chair of Surrey Crimestoppers Lynne Hack, said: “Young people can often understandably be very reluctant to report crime, so the education Fearless can provide to them is really critical to us, particularly during these difficult times.

“Emily as a youth worker is completely non-judgemental and can spread the message that young people can speak up about crime to us with the 100% guarantee that it will be completely anonymous and no one will know they have contacted us.”

If your organisation works with young children and you would like to arrange a Fearless training session, or you want to learn more about the work that Emily is doing in Surrey – please visit www.fearless.org/campaigns/fearless-surrey

Surrey PCC welcomes government review of Commissioner model

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro has today welcomed the government’s announcement of a nationwide review of the PCC model.

The Commissioner said that improving accountability, scrutiny and public awareness of the role will help ensure residents are getting a good service from their PCC.

A ministerial statement released today by Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed that the review would be carried out in two stages with the first starting this summer.

It will initially consider measures including raising the profile of PCCs, giving the public better access to performance information, sharing best practice and reviewing the relationship between Commissioners and Chief Constables.

The second stage will take place following the PCC elections in May 2021 and will focus on longer-term reform.

Further details on the review announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/priti-patel-to-give-public-greater-say-over-policing-through-pcc-review

PCC David Munro said: “It is vital we continue to look at ways to increase public awareness and improve the function of the PCC role so I welcome the today’s announcement of a review of the current model.

“Hopefully this will provide an opportunity to reflect on the learning since the role was created and to help shape its future moving forward.

“I believe PCC’s have a crucial role to play in providing the public with a say on how their local policing service is delivered and we must look at harnessing this further.

“PCC’s have also played a key part in ensuring victims and the most vulnerable are at the heart of policing and have the access they need to dedicated help and support services. We must continue the progress made in this area.

“I am committed to keeping our communities in Surrey safe and welcome the chance to evolve and strengthen the role of the PCC to maintain that commitment to the public.

“However, I would like to see this review carried out as a matter of urgency well ahead of next year’s PCC elections so that any learning can be implemented and the public can feel informed before voting.”

Surrey Builds More Refuge Accommodation for Families Escaping Domestic Abuse

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Surrey County Council has worked at pace with partners to provide more emergency refuge accommodation for families escaping domestic abuse.

National demand for domestic abuse support has increased during the lockdown as people have been more isolated and less able to leave their houses for help. In June, calls to the Your Sanctuary Domestic Abuse helpline in Surrey have more than doubled pre-lockdown levels. Meanwhile visits to the national domestic abuse website have gone up by 950%.

The Council worked alongside partners Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid and Your Sanctuary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Community Foundation for Surrey.

Over the course of six weeks, the partnership identified an unused property in the county and developed it into extra refuge capacity. The building will provide space for seven families, with the scope to increase this up to eighteen families in the future.

The refuge opened on the 15th June, with Surrey County Council and partners recognising a need for it to be ready in time for the expected surge of survivors seeking help as lockdown restrictions eased.

Wings of the building have been named after strong women, including Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Greta Thunberg, Emily Pankhurst, Amelia Earhart, Malala Yousafzai and Beyoncé.

Leader of Surrey County Council, Tim Oliver said: “We’re so proud to have been involved in this project. It’s provided such vital support to families escaping domestic abuse during what is already an extremely challenging time.

“The work of our partners in this has been incredible and is an excellent example of Surrey’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It exemplifies what can be achieved in collaboration with our partners at speed.

“No family should have to endure the effects of domestic abuse at any time, which is why it is so important that families have the security of these refuge spaces should they need them.”

Fiamma Pather, Chief Executive of Your Sanctuary, said: “This has been an exciting project bringing together organisations from the public and voluntary sector – building on our existing partnerships and working alliances here in Surrey in response to the COVID-19 crisis. We are very proud that more women and their children will have safe and supportive accommodation in order to start rebuilding their lives after the abuse and violence they have experienced.”

Charlotte Kneer, CEO of Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid said: “It’s startling to think how much we have achieved in six weeks. From an initial idea to opening a new refuge, does show what can happen when partners pull

together with a common goal.

“The women and children living at the refuge will be safe thanks to huge effort and commitment from everyone involved. We hope to help many families who may otherwise have had nowhere to go.”

Surrey County Council will maintain the property whilst funding from the OPCC will enable the provision of specialist wraparound support for survivors.

OPCC Head of Policy and Commissioning Lisa Herrington said: “We are part of a strong partnership in Surrey, which has helped make a response at such speed possible, at an especially difficult time for those affected by domestic abuse.

“Funding from the PCC will play a key part in ensuring wrap around support by specialist workers is provided to help survivors, both adults and children, recover from harm and rebuild their lives.”

An instrumental figure in delivering this new refuge accommodation has been Dave Hill CBE, Executive Director of Children, Lifelong Learning and Culture at Surrey County Council who very sadly passed away suddenly last week at the age of 61. Tim Oliver said: “Dave was passionate about the safety of children and families, and he was an essential part in driving this project forward. It is a fitting tribute to him, that this safe space is now available that will ultimately provide sanctuary and safety for some of Surrey’s most vulnerable families. It is a symbol of everything he stood for, and I’m sure everyone involved in this project will join me in recognising Dave’s immense contribution. He will be greatly missed.”

Whilst the capacity has initially been secured for a period of 12 months, the aim of all involved in the project is to secure the sustainability of the capacity beyond this.

Anyone worried about or affected by domestic abuse in Surrey can contact the Your Sanctuary Domestic Abuse Helpline seven days a week from 9am – 9pm, on 01483 776822 or via online chat at https://yoursanctuary.org.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Community Trigger being used across Surrey to address anti-social behaviour

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has reiterated his commitment to tackling anti-social behavior (ASB) in Surrey, as the Community Trigger framework supported by his office has seen a significant increase in applications across the county.

Examples of ASB are varied but they can have a profound impact on the welfare of individuals and communities, causing many to feel anxious, afraid or isolated.

The Community Trigger gives those who have complained about a persistent ASB issue in their local area the right to request a review of their case where steps to resolve three or more reports in a six month period have failed to address the problem.

The completion of the Community Trigger form alerts the Community Safety Partnership, made up of local authorities, support services and Surrey Police, to review the case and take coordinated steps to find a more permanent solution.

One community trigger submitted in Guildford outlined the impact of noise nuisance and the inconsiderate use of a communal space. By coming together to assess the situation, the Borough Council, Environmental Health team and Surrey Police were able to advise the tenant to address their use of the space within a clearly defined time period, and to provide a dedicated liaison officer in the case of continued concerns.

Other Community Triggers submitted have included the details of persistent noise complaints and neighbour disputes.

In Surrey, the PCC has provided dedicated funding to Surrey Mediation CIO who support communities in finding a resolution to conflict through mediation. They also listen to and support victims of ASB to develop

strategies and access further guidance.

The Office of the PCC in Surrey also provides a unique reassurance that decisions made as a result of the Community Trigger process can be further reviewed by the PCC.

Sarah Haywood, Community Safety Policy and Commissioning Lead, explained that ASB is often targeted at the most vulnerable in our communities: “Anti-social behaviour can be sustained and remorseless. It can leave people feeling distressed and unsafe in their own homes.

“The Community Trigger process means people have an avenue to escalate their concerns and be heard. In Surrey we are proud that our process is transparent and allows victims a voice. The trigger can be enacted by victims themselves or by someone else on their behalf, bringing together a mix of specialists and dedicated partners to plan a holistic, coordinated response.”

PCC David Munro said: “I am really pleased the latest data shows the Trigger framework is being well used across Surrey, providing reassurance to those affected that we are committed to taking action to tackle those ASB issues that can blight our local communities.”

To learn more about the Community Trigger in Surrey, CLICK HERE

PCC welcomes availability of extra funding to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has welcomed details of additional funding to support those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Surrey during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The news comes amid concerns that cases of these crimes have increased nationally during the current lockdown, leading to increased demand on support such helplines and counselling.

A maximum grant allocation of just over £400,000 can be made available to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Surrey as part of a £20m national package from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). £100,000 of the funding is ring-fenced for allocation to support organisations that do not already receive funding from the PCC, with attention to services supporting individuals from protected and minority groups.

Services are now invited to work with the PCC’s office to submit proposals for this grant allocation to successfully secure the funds from the MoJ. It is intended that the funding will help to address the difficulties faced by these organisations delivering services remotely or with limited staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. It follows the establishment by the PCC of a Coronavirus Support Fund in March, for partner organisations affected by Covid-19. Over £37,000 from this fund has already been awarded to services supporting survivors of domestic abuse in Surrey.

PCC David Munro said: “I wholeheartedly welcome this opportunity to further our support for those affected by domestic abuse and sexual

violence in our communities, and to build new relationships with organisations making a difference in this area.

“This is welcome news during a period where these services in Surrey are under increasing pressure, but are going above and beyond to provide essential support to those who may feel more isolated, and may not be safe at home.”

Organisations across Surrey are encouraged to find out more and apply via the PCC’s dedicated Funding Hub before 01 June.

Anyone worried about, or affected by domestic abuse in Surrey can contact the Your Sanctuary Domestic Abuse Helpline seven days a week from 9am – 9pm, on 01483 776822 or via online chat at https://www.yoursanctuary.org.uk/

Further information including application guidelines can be found here.

Victim and Witness Care Unit logo

“We’re still here for you.” – PCC funded Victim and Witness Care Unit responds to lockdown

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

One year since establishing the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) within Surrey Police, the team funded by Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro is continuing to support individuals during the coronavirus lockdown.

Established in 2019, the VWCU has put in place new ways of working to ensure the provision of end-to-end support continues for all victims of crime in Surrey, including those who are most vulnerable during the national emergency. The unit functions to support victims to cope and recover from the effects of crime, from immediately after the incident, through the court process and beyond.

Extended opening hours on Monday and Thursday evenings, to 9pm, means the team of almost 30 staff and 12 volunteers have increased accessibility to support victims of crime during this difficult time, including survivors of domestic abuse.

Dedicated case workers and volunteers are continuing to assess and arrange the necessary care for individuals over the telephone, and using video conferencing software.

Rachel Roberts, Head of the VWCU, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on victims as well as on the services available to provide support. It is important that anyone affected by crime knows we are still here for them, and we have extended our provision to help even more individuals during this time of increased anxiety, and increased risk for many.

“From a personal point of view, I can’t thank the team enough for the work they do on a daily basis, including our volunteers who are making an enormous contribution during a difficult time.”

Since April 2019 the Unit has been in contact with over 57,000 individuals, including providing many with tailored support programmes in partnership with specialist service providers and other agencies.

The flexibility of being embedded within Surrey Police has allowed the Unit to concentrate support where it is needed most and respond to emerging crime trends – two specialist case

workers have been employed to respond to a 20% national increase in reported fraud. Once trained, the caseworkers will support those victims of fraud who are particularly vulnerable and at risk.

In January this year, the PCC’s Office also renewed funding for an embedded Domestic Violence Advisor to cover north Surrey, employed by North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service, who will further work to enhance the support provided to survivors, and to build on the specialist training of staff and officers.

Damian Markland, OPCC Policy and Commissioning Lead for Victim Services said: “Victims and the witnesses of crime deserve our absolute attention at all times. The work of the unit is especially challenging and important as the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt in the criminal justice system, and by other organisations that offer help.

“Overcoming these challenges to provide ongoing support is essential to help victims cope and recover from their experiences, but also to maintain their confidence in Surrey Police.”

All victims of crime in Surrey are automatically referred to the Victim and Witness Care Unit at the point a crime is reported. Individuals can also self-refer themselves, or use the website to find local specialist support services.

You can contact the Victim and Witness Care Unit on 01483 639949, or for more information visit: https://victimandwitnesscare.org.uk

Anyone affected by, or worried about someone who may be affected by domestic abuse is encouraged to contact the Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline provided by your Sanctuary, on 01483 776822 (9am – 9pm), or to visit the your Sanctuary website. Always dial 999 in an emergency.