Category: Public Relations

The image shows Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, a blonde woman who wears a white long-sleeved top and black trousers, standing close to a glass door which has the Surrey Police logo on it. Her hands are clasped and she is looking directly into the camera with a serious expression.

Commissioner condemns ‘shameful’ scenes following violence in Epsom last night

Posted on | by Nathan Rees

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Lisa Townsend, said those involved in the violent scenes in Epsom last night should expect to face the full force of the law.

The Commissioner condemned the actions of those involved in the disorder as “shameful” after missiles including missiles including cans, rocks and flares were thrown at police officers.

Local hotels and residential properties were also targeted following false claims that these were housing people seeking asylum.

Four arrests were made in total and officers will be studying footage of the violence to identify those responsible for any further criminal offences.

“Shameful”

The Commissioner said: “The mindless scenes we witnessed last night where our police officers were targeted with missiles were nothing short of shameful.

“I am a firm believer in people’s right to peaceful protest, but sadly, some of those present in Epsom yesterday stepped way beyond that line, and the type of behaviour we witnessed will not be tolerated.

“The reality is that a number of those in Epsom last night were not local and have come into the town from elsewhere clearly with their own agenda.

“My message to those intent on stirring up trouble under the guise of legitimate protest is stay away from Epsom.

Commissioner’s warning

“If you involve yourself in disorder, the police will take robust action and I expect you to face the full force of the law.”

The Commissioner said the last week has been extremely challenging for the local community in Epsom following the reported rape in the town on April 11.

Lisa said: “I have always been a strong advocate for the safety of women and girls in all our communities in Surrey and I am well aware of the concern and fear that is felt when these type of reports are made.

“Rape and sexual assault allegations are rightly treated with the utmost seriousness by Surrey Police. They are often complex and must be handled with a great degree of sensitivity and care.

Investigation

“I have been kept updated by senior officers and I know how painstaking and extensive the enquiries have been over the last week to establish the full facts of what happened in this case.

“I fully appreciate in circumstances like this that the local community are keen to have as much information as possible, particularly when the report made is of such a concerning nature.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable to see whether further clarity can be given around the circumstances of this case. But the reality is, our police service is often in the unenviable position of trying to balance sharing information publicly with ensuring the integrity of an investigation.

“Surrey Police have said there is no evidence this case involves asylum seekers or immigrants.

“Misinformation”

“But clearly this does not suit the narrative some want to push and we are still seeing misinformation being spread online, which I believe helped fuel the scenes we witnessed last night.

“This unhelpful speculation has made a difficult situation even worse for our communities in Epsom.

“I would like to thank them for their continued patience and understanding while this investigation is carried out.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



‘Hero of Haslemere’

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

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

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

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

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

‘Murder, murder’

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

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

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

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



‘An honour’

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

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

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

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

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



‘So proud’

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

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

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

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

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

Have your say – Commissioner invites views on 101 performance in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC | Leave a Comment on Have your say – Commissioner invites views on 101 performance in Surrey

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has launched a public survey asking for residents’ views on how Surrey Police respond to non-emergency calls on the 101 non-emergency number. 

League tables published by the Home Office show that Surrey Police is one of the best forces at quickly answering 999 calls. But recent staff shortages in the police Contact Centre have meant that calls to 999 have been prioritised,  and some people have experienced long waits for calls to 101 to be answered.

It comes as Surrey Police consider measures to improve the service the public receive, such as extra staffing, changes to processes or technology or reviewing the different ways that people can get in touch. 

Residents are invited to have their say at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PLDAAJ/ 

Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I know from speaking to residents that being able to get hold of Surrey Police when you need them is really important to you. Representing your voice in policing is a key part of my role as your Commissioner, and improving the service that you receive when contacting Surrey Police is an area that I’ve been paying close attention to in my conversations with the Chief Constable.

“That’s why I am really keen to hear about your  experiences of the 101 number, whether you have called it recently or not.

“Your views are needed to inform the decisions that Surrey Police take to improve the service you receive,  and it is vital that I understand that ways that you would like me to carry out this role in setting the police budget and scrutinising Force performance.”

The survey will run for four weeks until the end of Monday, 14 November. Results of the survey will be shared on the Commissioner’s website and will inform improvements to 101 service from Surrey Police.