Category: Police recruitment

Six year old child's line drawing in blue pen of a police officer on white background.

“Why don’t the police wear shorts?” – Commissioner responds to letters from children aged five and six

Posted on | by James Smith

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has responded after receiving letters from Surrey residents aged just five and six years old.

Ethan from Guildford, who is five years old, wants to be a police officer when he is older – but felt that he needed to ask an important question before applying. In a letter to the Commissioner, he enquired: “Why do the police not wear shorts?”

In a separate letter, Grace, who lives near Leith Hill, sent a picture she had drawn of a police officer. Grace’s Grandparents say she will make an excellent police officer for her village.

Ethan was concerned that police officers don’t wear shorts.

Grace’s grandparents said she would make an excellent police officer.

Replying to Ethan, the Commissioner said:

I am so pleased to read that you would like to be a police officer when you are older – it is a very important job and we are always looking for smart new recruits.

You asked a question about why police officers don’t wear shorts. It is because they often have to kneel down to help someone, or even run after a criminal through a field where they may be stung by nettles and other spiky plants so they need to keep their legs covered.

Surrey Police wear trousers that have lots of pockets where they can put their gloves, or a torch and their phones, which need to be easy to get in a hurry.

Making sure that all police officers wear the same uniform is also important as it makes them look smart and so that you can recognise them if you need help.

Our office has received over 800 letters, emails and telephone calls from members of the public since the start of this year.

Representing your voice is a key part of the Commissioner’s role in Surrey, that includes strengthening the relationships between residents and Surrey Police and independently reviewing the response to complaints about policing.

Contact the Commissioner using our Contact us page.

female police officer in hat in foreground of a photo of new police officers standing to attention at the Surrey Police headquarters

Commissioner welcomes introduction of non-degree entry route for Surrey Police officers

Posted on | by James Smith

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said Surrey Police will be able to attract the very best recruits from a wider range of backgrounds after it was announced today a non-degree entry route will be introduced for those looking to join the Force.

The Chief Constables of Surrey Police and Sussex Police have jointly agreed to introduce a non-degree route for new police officers ahead of a national scheme being launched.

It is hoped the move will open up a career in policing to more candidates and to candidates of more diverse backgrounds. The scheme is open immediately for applicants.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I have always been clear in my view that you do not need a degree to be an outstanding police officer. So, I am delighted to see the introduction of a non-degree route into Surrey Police which will mean we can attract the very best people from a wider range of backgrounds.

“A career in policing offers so much and can be enormously varied. One size does not fit all, so nor should the entry requirements.

“It is important of course that we equip our police officers with the right knowledge and understanding of their powers to protect the public. But I believe those key skills to becoming an excellent police officer such as communication, empathy and patience are not taught in the classroom.

“The degree route will be the best option for some but if we truly want to represent the communities we serve, I believe is it crucial we offer different pathways into policing.

“I believe this decision opens up much greater choices for those wishing to pursue a policing career and will ultimately mean Surrey Police can provide an even better service for our residents.”

The new scheme will be called the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP+) and is designed for applicants with or without a degree. The programme will provide recruits with a blend of practical ‘on-the-job’ experience, and classroom-based learning equipping them with the skills and experience needed to meet the demands of modern policing.

While the route does not lead to a formal qualification, it will remain a requirement to achieve operational competence by the end of this period.

Student officers currently studying for a degree have the option to the transfer to the non-degree route if they feel, in consultation with the Force’s training team, that it’s the best option for them. Surrey Police will introduce this as an interim route for new recruits until a national scheme is established.

Speaking about the IPLDP+ programme, Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “To offer choice in how to enter policing is so important, if we are to ensure that we are inclusive and can compete in the employment market for the very best people to serve alongside us. I know that many will join me in wholeheartedly supporting this change.”

Surrey Police is open to recruitment for police officers and a range of other roles. Further information can be found at www.surrey.police.uk/careers and future police officers can apply for the new scheme here.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and police officers at a Surrey Police attestation event

Commissioner hails recruitment drive as Surrey Police exceeds government target for extra police officers

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has praised Surrey Police’s recruitment drive after the Force surpassed its government target for extra officers with over 300 joining the ranks since 2019.

The Commissioner joined the latest batch of 91 new recruits at their attestation ceremony at the Force’s Mount Browne HQ yesterday where they pledged to serve the King before going off to complete their training courses.

They were the last cohort to join the Force as part of Operation Uplift – the government’s three year programme to add an additional 20,000 officers across the country which ends this week.

Surrey Police has now exceeded its target of adding 98 extra officers this year which means that over 300 additional officers will have joined since the project started in 2019.

The Commissioner praised the huge effort that has gone into recruiting the extra numbers following an extensive recruitment campaign run by the Force.

She said: “An enormous effort has gone into recruiting these extra officers over the last three years so I am delighted that Surrey Police has achieved and now exceeded its target.

“My office has supported the Force every step of the way and I want to congratulate all those who have worked so incredibly hard to achieve this important target.

“This has been no mean feat during a tough job market and at a time when sadly the national headlines have meant that confidence and trust in the police service has been damaged.

“We now have more officers in the Surrey Police ranks than ever before and that is fantastic news for residents. 

“The hard work does not stop here of course. As well as training and supporting these new recruits so we can get them out in our communities as soon as possible – Surrey Police face a big challenge over the next year in maintaining those extra numbers.

“We know that retention of officers and staff is one of the biggest issues policing is dealing with across the country and with Surrey being one of the most expensive places to live – we are certainly not immune.

“So I will be offering any support my office can give to the new Chief Constable so that we can not only welcome these new officers into the Force but also to keep them in our communities taking the fight to criminals and tackling those issues important to our residents for years to come.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with a female PCSO

Commissioner joins PCSO on foot patrol in Guildford – and urges others to join Surrey Police

Posted on | by Alex Winter

COMMISSIONER Lisa Townsend joined a Surrey Police Community Support Office (PCSO) on a foot patrol in Guildford last week – and urged anyone with an interest in the job to apply to the Force.

On a two-hour walk through the town centre, Lisa and PCSO Chris Moyes spoke with members of the public, visited areas known for anti-social behaviour, and were called to a department store following reports of a shoplifter.

PCSOs work alongside police and share some of their powers. While they are unable to make an arrest, they can issue fixed penalty notices, demand the name and address of anyone behaving anti-socially, and take alcohol from a person aged under 18.

In Surrey, individual PCSOs are well-known for their work in the communities they patrol, and act as a visible presence to deter crime and build relationships between residents and police.

Applications to become a PCSO with Surrey Police are currently being accepted.

Lisa said: “Our PCSOs are absolutely vital, and I had a chance to see exactly how much good they do in Surrey during my patrol with Chris.

“During my brief visit, she was stopped by a number of people who knew her. While some had a concern to discuss, many simply wanted to say hello. This is a testament to her 21 years of service with the Force.

‘Absolutely vital’

“Two of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan are to protect communities from harm and work with our residents so they feel safe. PCSOs often provide that link between frontline policing and the people who live in our county.

“It’s a job like no other, and that’s what I’d urge anyone with an interest to apply. PCSOs make a huge difference to the lives of Surrey residents.”

PCSO Moyes said: “Being a PCSO is a brilliant job.

“I particularly enjoy the variety and speaking to so many different people of all ages and backgrounds.

“There’s nothing like putting a smile on a victim’s face by supporting and solving problems for them.”

Vacancies are currently available in Spelthorne, Elmbridge, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Woking and Waverley.

PCSOs work alongside Safer Neighbourhood Teams to prevent and tackle issues by building relationships and winning the trust of the public.

For more information, visit surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/careers/careers/pcso/

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Commissioner begins search for new Chief Constable of Surrey Police

Posted on | by James Smith | Leave a Comment on Commissioner begins search for new Chief Constable of Surrey Police

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has today begun her search for a new Chief Constable for Surrey Police.

The Commissioner has opened the recruitment process to find a successor to Gavin Stephens who announced last week he was set to leave after successfully being elected as the next head of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

He is due take up his new post in the spring of next year and will remain as Surrey’s Chief Constable until that point.

The Commissioner says she will now undertake a thorough selection process to find an outstanding candidate who can lead the Force into an exciting new chapter.

The full details of the role and how to apply can be found here.

The Commissioner has convened a selection board that will be made up of people with expertise in policing and public affairs to help with the process.

The closing date for applications is December 2 and the interview process will be held early in the New Year.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “As Police and Crime Commissioner, appointing a Chief Constable is one of the most important responsibilities of my role and I am privileged to lead this process on behalf of the people of our county.

“I am determined to find an exceptional leader who will focus their talents on making Surrey Police the outstanding service that our communities expect and deserve.

“The next Chief Constable will need to deliver against the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan and help strengthen those relationships between our police teams and local communities.

“They will need to strike the right balance in tackling key issues such as improving our current detection rates with ensuring we provide that visible police presence we know our residents want to see. This must be achieved at a time when policing budgets need to be finely balanced during the current cost of living crisis.

“I am looking for an innovative and straight-talking leader whose passion for public service can inspire those around them to help create a police force we can all be proud of.”

back of female police officer

It’s the least they deserve for the amazing job they do – Commissioner pleased to see pay rise for officers announced yesterday

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend said she was pleased to see hard working police officers recognised with a well-earned pay rise which was announced yesterday.

The Home Office revealed that from September, police officers of all ranks in England and Wales will receive an extra £1,900 – equivalent to a 5% increase overall.

The Commissioner said the overdue rise will benefit those at the lower end of the pay scale and while she would have liked to see even more recognition for officers, she was pleased that the government had accepted the pay recommendations in full.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Our policing teams work around the clock in often difficult circumstances to keep our communities safe in Surrey and I believe this pay award is the least they deserve to recognise the amazing job they do.

“I’m pleased to see that in terms of a percentage increase – this will reward those officers at the lower end of the pay scale more which is definitely a step in the right direction.

“The last few years have been a particularly tough for our officers and staff who have often been at the frontline of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and have been going above and beyond to police our county.

“The inspection report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) released earlier this month highlighted the welfare of our officers needed to be a key area of focus in Surrey.

“So I hope this pay increase will at least go some way to helping ease the pressures they face with rise in the cost of living.

“The Home Office have said the government will be part funding this rise and will be supporting forces with an additional £350 million over the next three years to help cover the associated costs of the pay award.

“We need to examine the detail closely and in particular what this will mean for our future plans for the Surrey Police budget.

“I would also like to hear from the government what plans they have to ensure our police staff who play an equally important role are also properly rewarded.”

Policing levels sustained across Surrey after Commissioner’s council tax proposal agreed

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Policing levels across Surrey will be sustained over the coming year after Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s proposed council tax precept rise was agreed earlier today.

The Commissioner’s suggested 3.5% increase for the policing element of the council tax will go ahead after a unanimous vote from the county’s Police and Crime Panel during a meeting at County Hall in Reigate this morning.

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including 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 PCC said while policing is facing a significant rise in costs, the precept increase will mean Surrey Police is able to maintain policing levels across the county over the next year.

The policing element of an average Band D Council Tax bill will now be set at £295.57 – an increase of £10 a year or 83p a week. It equates to around a 3.5% increase across all council tax bands.

The PCC’s office carried out a public consultation throughout December and early January in which around 2,700 respondents answered a survey with their views. Residents were given three options – whether they would be prepared to pay the suggested 83p extra a month on their council tax bill – or a higher or lower figure.

Around 60% of respondents said they would support the 83p increase or a higher rise. Just under 40% voted for a lower figure.

Combined with Surrey Police’s share of extra officers from the government’s uplift programme, last year’s increase in the policing element of the council tax meant the Force was able to add 150 officers and operational staff to their ranks. In 2022/23, the government’s uplift programme will mean the Force can recruit around 98 more police officers.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “The public have told me loud and clear that they want to see more police officers in our communities tackling those issues that matter most to them.

“This increase will mean Surrey Police are able to sustain their current policing levels and give the right support to those extra officers we are bringing in as part of the government’s uplift programme.

“It is always difficult to ask the public for more money, especially in the current financial climate with the cost of living increasing for us all so I haven’t taken this decision lightly.

“But I wanted to ensure we didn’t take a backwards step in the service we provide to our residents and risk the hard work that has gone into increasing police numbers in recent years being undone.

“I launched my Police and Crime Plan in December which was firmly based on the priorities that residents told me they felt were the most important such as the safety of our local roads, tackling anti-social behaviour, combatting drugs and ensuring the safety of women and girls in our communities.

“In order to deliver on those priorities and maintain that vital role in keeping our communities safe during these difficult times, I believe we must ensure we have the right resources in place. The budget for my office was also discussed at the meeting and the panel did recommend that I review it but I am pleased that the precept was unanimously approved.

“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill in our survey and give us their views – we received nearly 1,500 comments from people with a range of opinions on policing in this county.

“I am determined during my time as Commissioner to provide the Surrey public with the best service we can and to support our policing teams across the county in the brilliant job they do protecting our residents.”

Council Tax 2022/23 – Commissioner seeks views of residents on police funding in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking the public whether they would be prepared to pay a little extra to support police teams in Surrey over the coming year.

Residents are being urged to fill in a brief survey and share their views on whether they would support a small rise in council tax so that policing levels can be sustained in communities across the county.

The Commissioner said that like all public services, policing is facing a significant rise in costs in the current financial climate and in order to maintain the current position, an increase of some kind will likely be necessary.

The public are being invited to have their say on whether they would agree to pay an extra 83p a month on an average council tax bill.

The short online survey can be filled in here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/YYOV80/

One of the PCC’s key responsibilities is to set the overall budget for Surrey Police including 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 Home Office have given PCCs across the country the flexibility to increase the policing element of a Band D Council Tax bill by £10 a year or an extra 83p a month – the equivalent of around 3.5% across all bands.

The Commissioner is asking the public to fill in her survey to let her know whether they would be prepared to pay the extra 83p – or a higher or lower figure.

Combined with Surrey Police’s share of extra officers from the government’s uplift programme, last year’s increase in the policing element of the council tax meant the Force was able to add 150 officers and operational staff to their ranks.

The increase also helped retain vital operational support staff, such as forensic staff, 999 call handlers and specialist digital investigators, helped fight online fraud and ensuring better crime prevention. In 2022/23, Surrey Police’s share of the uplift programme will mean they can recruit around 70 more police officers.

Earlier this week, the Commissioner launched her Police and Crime Plan for the county which set out the key priorities the public have told her they want Surrey Police to focus on in the next three years.

PCC Lisa Townsend said: “My Police and Crime Plan places a real focus on making sure we not only keep our communities safe but that those that live in them feel safe too.

“I am determined during my time as Commissioner to provide the Surrey public with the very best value for money for their policing service and to put as many officers and staff as possible into our police teams to ensure we protect our residents.

“But in order to achieve that, I must ensure the Chief Constable has the right resources at his disposal.

“The public have told me they want to see more police on their streets and Surrey Police has made real strides in recent years to bolster the ranks of officers and staff by around 300 with more to come this year. Since I took office I have seen first-hand what a vital role they have played in our communities in really difficult circumstances.

“But all public services are facing a tough future with rising costs and we are not immune in policing. I don’t want to see the hard work that has gone into providing a much needed boost to our policing numbers being undone and that is why I am asking the Surrey public for their support during these challenging times.

“But I really want to know what they think so I would ask everyone to take a minute to fill out our brief survey and give me their views.”

The consultation will close at 9.00am on Tuesday 4 January 2022. For more information – visit https://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk/council-tax-2022-23/