Category: Performance and Accountability

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.

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

There’s still time to share your views on what you’ll pay towards policing in 2024/2025

Posted on | by James Smith

THERE is still time to have your say on whether you would be prepared to pay a little extra to support a renewed police focus on fighting crime where you live.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking for your views on the amount of money that will be provided from your council tax to help fund Surrey Police in 2024/25.

Her annual survey closes on 30 January. Have your say using the buttons below:

Complete the survey in English
Wypełnij ankietę w języku Polskim
Completează sondajul în Română
Completar la encuesta en Español
Complete a pesquisa em Português
Töltse ki a kérdőívet Magyar nyelven

The Commissioner said she is keen to support the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s Plan for the Force that includes maintaining a visible presence in our communities, increasing the number of offenders put before the courts, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and targeting drug dealers and shop-lifting gangs.

However Surrey Police continues to face financial pressures including increased costs for pay, energy and fuel and more demand for policing services. The Commissioner says support for our policing teams is more important than ever and is asking residents to give her their views on the level of funding for the coming year.  

All of the options in this year’s survey will require the Force to continue to make savings over the next four years.

You can learn more as we hold a new series of ‘Policing your Community’ events across Surrey this January, giving residents the chance to join us online and put their questions about policing to the Commissioner, Chief Constable and Borough Commander for their area.

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Surrey residents have told me loud and clear what they want to see, and the Chief Constable’s Plan sets out a clear vision of how he wants the Force to provide the service they rightly expect.

“But in order for it to be a success, I need to support the Chief Constable by making sure I give him the right resources to realise his ambitions in what remains a difficult financial climate for policing.

“I must of course balance that with the burden on the Surrey public and I am under no illusions that the cost of living crisis is continuing to put a huge strain on household budgets.

“That is why I want to know what you think and whether you would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year. Please take a minute or two to share your views.”

Use the links below to read more information or request a copy of the survey in a different format:

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'

Council Tax 2024/25 – Would you be prepared to pay a little extra to support renewed focus on fighting crime?

Posted on | by James Smith

Would you be prepared to pay a little extra over the coming year to support a renewed police focus on fighting crime and protecting people where you live?

That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking Surrey residents as she launches her annual survey on the level of council tax they will pay for policing in the county.

The Commissioner says she wants to support the new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer’s Plan for the Force in which he vows to tackle pockets of lawlessness in the county, relentlessly pursue the most prolific offenders in our communities and crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Those who live in Surrey are being invited to answer just four questions on whether they would support an increase on their council tax bills in 2024/25 to help put that plan into action.

All of the options in the survey require Surrey Police to continue to make savings over the next four years.

Complete the survey in English
Wypełnij ankietę w języku Polskim
Completează sondajul în Română

It comes after the Commissioner joined the Chief Constable and Borough Commanders in a series of ‘Policing your Community’ events held across Surrey in the autumn and that will continue online this January.

At those meetings, the Chief Constable has been setting out his blueprint on what he wants Surrey Police to focus on in the next two years, which includes:

  • Maintaining a visible presence in Surrey communities which tackles pockets of lawlessness – driving out drug dealers, targeting shoplifting gangs and cracking down on ASB hot-spots

  • Substantially increasing the number of offenders charged and crimes detected; with 2,000 more charges made by March 2026

  • Relentlessly pursuing thugs, thieves and abusers by identifying the most dangerous and prolific offenders and taking them off our streets

  • Continuing to investigate all reasonable lines of enquiry, including attending all domestic burglaries

  • Carrying out major crime fighting operations that go over and above everyday policing

  • Answering calls from the public quickly and ensuring the response from police is swift and effective

  • Seizing more criminal assets and putting that cash back into our communities.

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police. That includes determining the level of council tax raised for policing in the county, known as the precept, which funds the Force together with a grant from central government.

The Commissioner said it is an extremely hard decision to ask the public for more money with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite.

But with inflation continuing to rise, she warned an increase was needed for the Force to keep pace with inflationary rises in pay, fuel and energy costs.

Recognising the increased pressure on police budgets, the Government announced on 05 December that they have given PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D council tax bill by £13 a year or an extra £1.08 a month – the equivalent of just over 4% across all bands in Surrey.

The public are being invited to have their say on the amount the Commissioner sets in her proposal in February, with options for a below inflation increase that is below £10, or between £10 and £13.

Whilst the maximum increase of £13 would provide the Chief Constable with most of the resources he needs to achieve his plans for the Force, Surrey Police would still need to find at least £17m of savings over the next four years.

A middle option would allow the Force to keep its head above water with minimum reductions to staffing levels – while an increase of less than £10 would mean that further savings will have to be made. This could result in a reduction in some of the services which the public value the most, such as taking calls, investigating crimes and detaining suspects.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “At the recent community events, our residents have told us loud and clear what they want to see.

“They want their police to be there when they need them, to answer their calls for help as quickly as possible and to tackle those crimes which blight their everyday lives in our communities.

“The Chief Constable’s plan sets out a clear vision of what he wants the Force to do to provide that service the public rightly expect. It concentrates on what policing does best – fighting crime in our local communities, getting tough on offenders and protecting people.

“It is a bold plan but one residents have told me they want to see. In order for it to be a success, I need to support the Chief Constable by making sure I give him the right resources to realise his ambitions in a difficult financial climate.

“But of course I must balance that with the burden on the Surrey public and I am under no illusions that the cost of living crisis is continuing to put a huge strain on household budgets.

“That is why I want to know what Surrey residents think and whether they would be willing to pay a little extra to support our policing teams again this year.”

The Commissioner said Surrey Police continue to face a number of significant challenges including huge pressure on pay, energy and fuel costs and increasing demand for policing services whilst the Force must find in the region of £20m in savings over the next four years.

She added: “Surrey Police have worked extremely hard to not only meet but surpass the government’s target for extra officers under its Uplift programme to recruit 20,000 nationwide.

“It means Surrey Police have the most officers in its history which is fantastic news. But I want to ensure we don’t undo all of that hard work in the coming years which is why I must think very carefully about making sound, long term financial plans.

“That includes making every efficiency we possibly can and the Force is undergoing a transformation programme designed to ensure we provide the best value for money for the public that we can.

“Last year, the majority of those who took part in our poll voted for a council tax increase to support our policing teams and I really want to know whether you would be willing to continue that support again.

“So I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”

The council tax survey will close at 12pm on 30 January 2024.

Visit our Council tax page for more information.

Blue banner image with PCC pink triangle motif above a semi transparent image of the back of a police officer's high vis uniform. Text says, Council tax survey. Tell us what you'd be willing to pay towards policing in Surrey with icons of a phone in a hand and a clock that says 'five minutes'
Police and Crime Commisisoner for Surrey Lisa Townsend standing outside the Surrey Police Contact Centre with 'Contact Centre' visible on building sign behind her.

Commissioner welcomes new report on Surrey Police and says the Force is making good progress on areas of concern

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has welcomed an inspection report for Surrey Police and says she is confident that the Force has already made good progress to address areas of concern.

Issues around the service residents receive when they contact police on 999, 101 and digital 101 were highlighted in a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services (HMICFRS), which was published today.

Inspectors visited Surrey Police during the summer to carry out a Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) review.

They recognised that the Force protects vulnerable people in the county, arrests most offenders quickly, and has a strong focus on guiding perpetrators away from crime.

However, concerns were raised over the length of time it takes for contacts made via 101 and 999 to be answered.

Surrey continues to have the fourth lowest overall crime rate in England and Wales, and remains the safest county in the south-east.

The Commissioner appointed new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer earlier this year, and said that under his leadership, significant improvements to contact are well underway.

The Commissioner said: “I’m really pleased to see that the Force is quick to bring offenders to justice, as well as diverting lower-level offenders away from a life of crime. The innovative ways Surrey Police protects residents and cuts reoffending, particularly through rehabilitation, has also been highlighted.

“The best thing for all potential victims is to prevent crime happening in the first place through the education and rehabilitation of perpetrators, where that is possible. That’s why I’m pleased that inspectors noted the vital role of our Checkpoint Plus service, a deferred prosecution scheme that has an average reoffending rate of 6.3 per cent, compared to 25 per cent for those not going through the scheme. I’m very proud to help fund this fantastic initiative.

“The HMICFRS report says improvements are needed when it comes to the public’s contact with Surrey Police, and I’m pleased to say that those issues are already well in-hand under the new Chief Constable.

“In November, we recorded the best performance for answering 101 calls since late 2020. The time taken to answer a non-emergency call to the Force has dropped by almost 84 per cent when compared with March this year.

“I have been meeting frequently with the Force’s gold groups established to tackle this particular issue, and we are now at a point where we can begin to move temporary contact staff back into their previous roles as contact centre staffing has improved.

“In addition, 88 per cent of 999 calls are now answered within 10 seconds, and call abandonment on 101 has dropped significantly.

“A key issue we are facing is the volume of calls that aren’t related to crime. Surrey Police figures show that fewer than one in five calls – around 18 per cent – is about a crime, and just under 38 per cent are marked as ‘public safety/welfare’.

“Correspondingly, in August, our officers spent more than 700 hours with people in mental health crisis – the highest number of hours ever recorded.

“Next year, we will roll out Right Care, Right Person in Surrey, which aims to ensure those suffering with their mental health are seen by the best person to support them. In most cases, this will be a medical professional. Across England and Wales, it’s estimated that the initiative will save one million hours of officers’ time a year.”

Inspectors also highlighted improvements that need to be made to the recording of crime, including some reports of serious sexual offences.  

The Commissioner, who has the reduction of violence against women and girls at the heart of her Police and Crime Plan, said: “Victims of these offences must get all the support they need, and their attackers brought to justice wherever possible.

“Reporting sexual violence to the police is an act of true courage, and the Chief Constable and I are committed to ensuring these survivors will always get the best from their police.

“Inspectors did confirm that Surrey Police is committed to reducing violence against women and girls, and they highlighted some of the programmes available for survivors that are supported by my office.

“I am reassured, as I hope residents will be, that the Chief Constable has made a commitment to ensure every crime reported to the Force is accurately recorded, that all reasonable lines of enquiry are followed, and that criminals are relentlessly pursued.

“There is work to be done, but I know how hard every officer and member of staff in Surrey Police works every day to keep residents safe. Every single one will be committed to making the improvements needed.”

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.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger at the ICVA Awards in Birmingham

Custody visiting scheme receives Platinum award for impact in Surrey

Posted on | by James Smith

The Independent Custody Visiting (ICV) Scheme overseen by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has been recognised nationally this month, as it attained Platinum status for the quality of its work in Surrey.

Under the scheme, volunteers from the local community make unannounced visits to Surrey Police custody to check on the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of detainees.

In the year to March, Independent Custody Visiting Volunteers (ICVs) made 172 visits and spent over 400 hours in custody suites across Surrey.

By listening to individuals in custody, they provide valuable and independent oversight of the care that is provided when an individual is detained.

By shining a spotlight on the processes, people and environments within custody, their recommendations cover everything from ensuring that there are enough blankets in winter, to safeguarding someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Visits are held at all hours and the findings are reported back to the Commissioner and Surrey Police in a cycle that promotes continuous improvement.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association (ICVA) judges schemes every three years based on its quality assurance framework that assesses how well schemes comply with a Code of Practice for custody.

At an ICVA event Birmingham, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson joined Surrey’s ICV Scheme Manager Erika Dallinger as she received the Platinum award that represents the highest level of accreditation possible for schemes across England and Wales.

While ‘Gold’ standard reflects a scheme that provides an excellent standard of custody visiting and volunteer management, the ‘Platinum’ award goes further to recognise those areas where the service is ‘outstanding’.

Welcoming the award, Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work of our Independent Custody Visitors and of my ICV Scheme Manager in Surrey.

“The Scheme is essential in providing an independent eye on an area of policing that happens ‘behind the scenes’ but can be responsible for the care of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Together with custody staff, volunteers play an incredibly important part in maintaining the transparency and trust in policing that is so important to my office and Surrey Police.

“I’d like to congratulate them on this award that recognises their outstanding contribution.”

Dame Anne Owers, Chair of ICVA, said: “Independent custody visiting schemes ensure that the public have oversight of a high pressure and often hidden area of policing. These awards demonstrate how local schemes use volunteer feedback to make change and ensure that police custody is safe and dignified for all.”

Learn more about the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme at https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/performance/independent-custody-visiting/

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. 

Front cover of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's Annual Report with image of pages from the report placed behind

Record police numbers and funding boost for Surrey communities – Commissioner publishes Annual Report for 2022/23 

Posted on | by James Smith

Record funding for local services and more police officers than ever before in Surrey are among key achievements highlighted in the Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s Annual Report published today. 

Since April 2022, over £5m was awarded to charities and other organisations in the county that improve community safety and reduce vulnerabilities, support victims of crime and help tackle the root causes of offending.

The Commissioner also praised Surrey Police following the recruitment of 395 new police officers since 2019 – making the Force the biggest it has ever been.

Sunny photo of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend speaking to local Surrey Police officers on their bikes on the Woking canal path

The report focuses on the progress made against each of the priorities in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan that include preventing violence against women and girls, protecting people from harm, working with Surrey communities so that they feel safe and ensuring safer Surrey roads. 

Read the full Report here.

Funding from the Commissioner’s office provided more specialist advisors to support survivors of sexual violence, stalking and domestic abuse, increased help for children and young people affected by crime. Whilst over £700,000 from the Government’s Safer Streets Fund was secured for three projects to boost local safety in Sunbury Cross, Addlestone and Epsom. 
 
The year also saw the launch of new initiatives including the county’s first Community Safety Assembly bringing partners together to tackle joint issues such as anti-social behaviour and ill mental health, and landmark projects to prevent violence against women and girls. 

A first-of-its-kind Data Hub was unveiled, allowing residents to see the latest information about Surrey Police performance that the Commissioner uses to hold the Chief Constable to account, while a dedicated Youth Commission was established to enhance the voices of children and young people on police and crime matters. 

The Annual Report also looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities for policing in the county, including maintaining police officer and staff numbers, improving the service received when calling the county’s 101 non-emergency number and embracing new technology.  

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Since I was elected in 2021, Surrey residents have told me they want to see more police officers taking the fight to criminals in the county. I am delighted that we have now have record numbers of police officers in Surrey, together with dedicated police staff and volunteers that are giving local policing a real boost. 
 
“I have also overseen an increased scrutiny of Surrey Police performance, including supporting improvements to the service received when residents dial 101, the partnership response to anti-social behaviour and a renewed focus on ensuring we maintain the trust in policing that is so vital to protecting our communities. 

“I would like to thank everyone who has been in contact with me in the last year. I remain committed to ensuring the voice of residents remains at the heart of the conversations I have with the Chief Constable of Surrey Police and encourage anyone who is interested to subscribe to my monthly updates via my website.  

“My eternal thanks go to all those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe. I would also like to thank all the volunteers, charities, and organisations we have worked with and the staff in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their support over the last year.” 

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of the Army Training Centre in Pirbright Surrey

“We will do all we can to support our armed forces”: Commissioner and Deputy welcome Ministry of Defence employment award

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner and her Deputy have reaffirmed their commitment to working with those who have served their country after achieving silver level status under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Award.

Lisa Townsend and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, said they “will do all they can” to support serving and former armed forces personnel and their families.

Surrey Police, which is an armed forces-friendly organisation, has also achieved silver status as part of the scheme.

The award is given to employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated their support to defence and the armed forces community.

It acts as an assurance that forces personnel, veterans and Reservists, as well as their spouses and their children, are treated with fairness and respect.

Both the Commissioner’s Office and the Force had previously been awarded bronze status, but were upgraded to silver following their efforts. The Office was among the first of its kind in the country to sign up to the Covenant in 2017, and has become the first Commissioner’s office in the south east to attain silver status.

Lisa said: “Servicemen and women, both past and present, make an enormous contribution to our society.

“They deserve all the support we are able to offer.

“Many veterans will decide to join the police service as either officers or staff after leaving the armed forces, and that is something both Surrey Police and my Office are very proud of.

“Others may struggle as they return to civilian life. It is crucial that we support these people wherever it is possible to do so.”

Ellie, who holds responsibility for military personnel and veterans, as well as children and young people, as part of her remit, said: “Surrey has a long association with the armed forces and we are home to many military personnel and their families.

“Understanding the uniqueness of life in the armed forces community is incredibly important. Providing welcoming employment opportunities that value and utilise their vast transferable skills and life experience is key to supporting those transitioning into civilian life.

“I am also aware of the impact that a military lifestyle can have on children and young people growing up, which can include the stress of moving away from homes, schools and friends, as well as worry about their serving loved one.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of the Army Training Centre in Pirbright Surrey

“I am committed to ensuring that our team does everything it can, working alongside our partners, to support the children and families of serving and former personnel.”

Surrey is home to 13 veterans’ hubs, with the newest having recently opened in Banstead. See more information, or find your nearest Hub here.

Logo for Silver level of Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. Grey image on white background of the English royal lion holding a Union Jack flag with a crown above it. Text says Silver Award 2023
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.