Role and responsibilities Archives - Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Have your say on the policing priorities for Surrey for the next three years

Posted on 17th October 2024 | by Nathan Rees

What would you like to see Surrey Police focus on in your local community over the next three years?

That is the question Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is asking the county’s residents as she launches a public consultation today which will help shape her new Police and Crime Plan.

Those who live and work in Surrey are being invited to have their say on what they think the policing priorities should be by filling in a brief survey.

It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:

Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation

The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.

Have your say

The answers will help the Commissioner complete her Plan, which will be a blueprint for policing in Surrey for the next three years and provides the basis for how she holds the Chief Constable to account.

It will be published in early 2025 and will cover her current term of office, which runs until 2028.

The development of the Plan is already underway, with the Commissioner’s office holding a series of in-depth consultation events over the last two months.

This has included speaking to a number of key groups in Surrey such as victim and survivor groups, young people, professionals in crime reduction and safety, rural crime groups and representatives from Surrey’s business community.

The Commissioner now wants to seek the views of the wider Surrey public on what they want to see in the Plan.

Policing priorities

Lisa was re-elected for a second term of office in May this year. She was first elected in 2021 when she set her original Police and Crime Plan.

She said: “The single most important part of my role as Police and Crime Commissioner for this county is to represent you, the residents of Surrey.

“It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan.

“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.

“Over the last four years, I have spoken with thousands of residents across our county and I know there are issues that consistently cause concern such as road safety, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug crime, the safety of women and girls and visible policing in our communities.

‘The public’s priorities are my priorities’

“When I was re-elected in May, I pledged to focus on a ‘back-to-basics’ approach to policing in Surrey which focuses on tackling those crimes that blight our communities and targeting persistent offenders.

“This is a commitment I share with our Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and I believe this approach is already starting to pay dividends.

“However, the road ahead is not easy and there are challenges that Surrey Police must face in the coming years.

“There are significant financial savings that must be made, an ever-increasing demand on our policing teams and retaining our officers and staff in a tough job market.

Back to basics

“It is crucial that our resources are targeted where they are most needed, and Surrey Police finds the right balance between visible community policing and the need to combat that hidden criminality happening behind closed doors.

“I want my Police and Crime Plan to reflect a wide a range of views from people in every borough in Surrey on those issues that are important to them where they live.

“With that in mind, I ask you all to fill out my survey and let me know what you want to see in my plan. The consultation only takes just a few minutes so please do fill it in and let me know what you think.”

Lisa will be promoting the survey at the Policing Your Community roadshow, which is taking place around the county this autumn and winter. Sign up for your local event here.

Surrey Police seeks to locate Eastern Divisional Headquarters in Leatherhead

Posted on 12th August 2024 | by Surrey PCC

Surrey Police will seek to relocate its Eastern Divisional Headquarters from Reigate to Leatherhead, when the interim lease for Wray Park ends, following the temporary move in April 2024.

In 2018, Surrey Police purchased the former Electrical Research Association (ERA) and Cobham Industries site on Cleeve Road in Leatherhead with a view to developing a new, purpose-built headquarters from the ground up. However, following a review of the programme in November 2021, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Surrey Police Chief Officer team took the decision to retain Mount Browne, in Guildford, as the Force Headquarters, and redevelop the existing site.

The Leatherhead site has been on the commercial property market for sale since earlier last year. However, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the construction of Reigate Police Station in September 2023, the Force has been reconsidering its wider operational requirements across the Eastern Division – comprising Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Tandridge.

The Force relocated to the former Surrey Fire & Rescue Services (SFRS) headquarters at Wray Park, Reigate, on an urgent but temporary basis, agreeing a short-term lease of up to two years with Surrey County Council.

Since vacating Reigate Police Station, the Force has been working closely with commercial surveyors, Vail Williams, to explore numerous opportunities to locate the new Divisional HQ, including sites in Epsom, Dorking, Leatherhead, Reigate (including the redevelopment of Reigate Police Station itself) and Redhill.

Following this piece of work an operational recommendation was made to the Surrey Police Estates Board, chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, to retain part of the Leatherhead site and to build a bespoke, permanent, Divisional Headquarters which will be fit for policing East Surrey now and in the long-term.

This recommendation was approved on 06 August 2024 at the Estates Strategy Board.

Tim De Meyer, Chief Constable for Surrey Police, said, “The desired move to Leatherhead shows our commitment to retain an operational base in the heart of the East of Surrey where we can maintain a visible policing presence in the communities we serve, to fight crime and protect people.

“This is an opportunity to build a new divisional headquarters which will be operationally fit for purpose and serve the east of our county for many years to come.”

Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, said, “This is exciting news and if we get planning approval gives us a unique opportunity to build a bespoke divisional HQ that is fit for purpose for our hard-working police teams on the east of the county.

“The situation with RAAC at Reigate Police Station has presented us with some difficult and unexpected challenges and I would like to pay tribute to all those officers, staff and volunteers for their patience and understanding over the last year.

“I am well aware of the importance Surrey residents place on local policing, and I want to reassure people living in Reigate and Banstead that the neighbourhood presence in their communities will not be affected by these plans.

“There have been some tough choices to make but I believe that Leatherhead presents us with the best option in providing both value for money for Surrey residents and an Eastern HQ that is fit for a modern police force.”

Councillor Paul Kennedy, Mole Valley District Council’s Cabinet Member for Internal Services and Security, said: “We are delighted at the prospect of Surrey Police’s Eastern Divisional Headquarters moving to Leatherhead. While any proposals remain subject to planning permission, this potentially signals yet another boost to the town, alongside the progress of our Transform Leatherhead initiative. With the addition of an HQ and around 400 members of staff comes the promise of a boost in footfall into the town centre and a positive impact on the local economy.”

As part of the Force’s commitment to having a physical policing presence in every borough and district, further decisions were made at the Estates Strategy Board to ensure that Safer Neighbourhood Teams will operate out of new sites, to be identified, in Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge. This will ensure the delivery of a consistent service, and coverage across the county. There will be a minimum of one Front Counter facility per division, enabling members of the public to access police services. While locations will be reviewed, there will be no fewer than currently provided, and therefore no reduction in service.

The decision to retain Leatherhead as a key operating base comes as Surrey Police awaits a decision on their planning application for the redevelopment of the Mount Browne HQ which, if approved, could see redevelopment begin in Spring 2025.

An FAQ page containing answers to some of the questions we’ve received about the decision to relocate the Surrey Police Eastern Divisional HQ can be viewed here.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with the Chief Constable of Surrey Police and the Head of the Victim and Witness Care Unit at the VWCU office in Guildford Police Station

Office of the Commissioner hosts partners delivering victim care – after dedicated Unit helps a quarter of a million people to cope and recover

Posted on 28th June 2024 | by James Smith

DEPUTY Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson welcomed local services to Surrey Police’s headquarters in June, as victim care organisations funded by the Office of the Commissioner united to drive improvements to the care that individuals receive.

During the event, which was hosted by the Office’s commissioning team, representatives from a broad range of charities and services discussed community safety and how to best support victims.

Among the attendees were the team from Surrey Police’s dedicated Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU). The Unit, which is jointly funded by the Force and the Office of the Commissioner, marked its fifth anniversary this spring.

The VCWU team were joined by leaders from other services across the county, including: I Choose Freedom; East Surrey Domestic Abuse Service; North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service; Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum; Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s STARS Service; Innovating Minds, the YMCA’s What is Sexual Exploitation? (WiSE) Service; the county’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC); and Hourglass (safer aging).

Opening the event, Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said funding local services that improve community safety and support victims of crime is one of the most crucial elements of the Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend’s role.

In 2023/24, that included approving nearly £2.7m of funding to support victims of crime to help them cope and recover. The funding has helped pay for specially trained advisors for domestic abuse, sexual violence and fraud as well as counselling, helplines and projects that raised the awareness of modern slavery and the exploitation of children and young people.

This funding has also been made available to local services and specialist organisations to ensure that support is available to victims from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, LGBT+ and disabled communities as well as supporting the elderly and children and young people.

Over the course of the day, visitors discussed the opportunities and challenges affecting victim care in the UK, including the pressure on organisations to meet increasing demand with limited resources.

The programme included a specific focus on how the Commissioner’s Office, as a leading funder of victim care in Surrey, can help organisations to provide the best care possible.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Victims and witnesses of crime deserve the best possible support during what will often be one of the most difficult times in their lives.

“I am incredibly proud of the fantastic services we support in Surrey, who provide some of the best victim care in the UK.

“But they are under increasing pressure, and it is vital to me that our Office can continue to support them by helping to make it easier for victims to contact the right service sooner.

“We must also encourage more sustainable funding to protect the people and projects helping victims to cope and recover.”

“I truly don’t know what I would have done without our phone calls, your advice and continued support. This has been such a tough process and you have helped me so much.”

– Victim supported by Surrey Police’s Victim and Witness Care Unit

Both Lisa and Ellie attended the Victim and Witness Care Unit celebrations during the spring.

Since 2019, the Unit has provided advice and support to over a quarter of a million people in Surrey.

It has also helped more than 4,000 individuals with ongoing practical and emotional support needs to navigate the criminal justice system and cope with the impact of their experiences.

Some victims of crime will suffer from a fear of going out, difficulty continuing work or education, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Unit also aims to keep victims engaged with the criminal justice system. One case involved seven victims of childhood sexual violence. When their case was delayed by two years, the Unit provided care and support to help them cope. Staff were also on-hand to help all seven individuals as they took to the witness stand during the two-month trial to see justice done.

Rachel Roberts, Head of the Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit, said: “The Unit is here to help anyone affected by crime, no matter how long ago it happened, or whether you have reported it to the police or not.

“Impartial from any criminal justice process, we aim to support you, and anyone else who may have been directly affected, such as family members, to cope and recover.

“We will explore with you the most suitable ways to do this to meet your individual needs and circumstances, including helping you to understand your rights and entitlements under the Victims’ Code of Practice and ensuring you feel informed about any police processes and the options available to you.

“We can also make onwards referrals to other support agencies who may be able to help.”

A list of all support services available to victims in Surrey is available here.

All victims of crime in Surrey are automatically referred to the Victim and Witness Care Unit or a specialist provider of care at the point a crime is reported. Individuals can also self-refer themselves by calling 01483 639949 or visiting https://victimandwitnesscare.org.uk

Support and advice are available to every victim of a crime in Surrey regardless of when the offence occurred.

Updated statement from Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend following incident in Staines-upon-Thames

Posted on 17th June 2024 | by Surrey PCC

Following the incident that took place in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday night, I have been in regular contact with senior officers from Surrey Police who have kept me updated on the situation.

I fully appreciate the distress and strength of feeling this incident has caused and the understandable concern of both the local community and the wider public.

Surrey Police has made an internal referral to its Professional Standards Department and have also referred the matter to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent consideration.

I am confident this is absolutely the right course of action to follow. Whilst I appreciate the public want answers about the events of Friday night and the circumstances leading up to it, I would continue to ask that everyone allows time for this to be properly reviewed.

Surrey Police has vowed to ensure this matter is diligently investigated so that a full understanding of what took place and why can be properly established. I would like to reassure Surrey residents that in my key role of holding the Force to account, my office will be scrutinising that process to ensure it is thorough and robust. I am also committed to fully supporting any investigation by the IOPC and will be closely monitoring any developments in this case.

Lisa Townsend
Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend

Lisa Townsend hails ‘back to basics’ police approach as she wins second term as Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Posted on 3rd May 2024 | by Nathan Rees

LISA TOWNSEND vowed to continue supporting a “back to basics” approach to policing in Surrey after she was re-elected earlier today as the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Conservative candidate received 95,538 votes from the Surrey public in Thursday’s PCC election.

The result was announced in Redhill this afternoon after votes from across the county were counted. Turnout was 29.9 per cent, compared to 38.8 per cent in the last Police and Crime Commissioner election in 2021.

Lisa, who has served as Commissioner for more than three years since winning that election, vowed to continue supporting Surrey Police’s renewed focus on issues that matter most to residents, such as tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and targeting persistent offenders.

She said the Force now has more officers than ever before, and under the leadership of new Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, they are concentrating on combatting those crimes that matter most to the Surrey public.

Lisa said she wanted to use her second term to build on recent improvements in Surrey Police and continue being a voice for the county’s residents.

The current Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, will also be proposed by the Commissioner for a second term, which will be subject to a formal confirmation hearing.

Lisa said: “I am honoured to be re-elected as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner and I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote.

“Over the last three years, I have listened to what thousands of residents in Surrey tell me they want from their police service. They want our officers doing the job only they can – investigating and solving crime and taking offenders off our streets.

“They don’t want their police sitting in hospitals for hours on end or investigating non-crime hate incidents. They want to see our police teams taking the fight to criminals and focusing on those issues most important to them where they live.

“The Chief Constable shares my commitment to a ‘back to basics’ approach to policing and I believe that is already starting to pay dividends for our communities.

“In the last year alone, Surrey Police has made significant improvements in a number of areas, including achieving record performance for 999 and 101 waiting times.

“Successful policing operations are taking place across the county to tackle shoplifting gangs, persistent offenders and drug-dealing networks, while funding secured through my office is being used to combat pockets of anti-social behaviour in communities across the county.

“Thanks to a huge recruitment drive over the last three years, Surrey Police has more officers in its ranks than ever before, which is fantastic news for residents.

“I will offer all the support I can to our hard-working police teams so they can continue to make strides in tackling those issues that matter most to our residents.

“Surrey is fantastic place to live and one of the safest counties in the country. I want to keep it that way and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to ensure tackling those issues that matter most to residents remains at the heart of policing in Surrey.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Surrey Police warmly congratulates Lisa Townsend on her re-election as Police and Crime Commissioner.

“We look forward to continuing to work with her on challenges such as tackling violence against women and girls, improving our response to calls from the public and bringing more offenders to justice.”   

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 5th December 2023 | 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 29th November 2023 | 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/

white image of the lady of justice holding scales forward in front of a deep blue background

“We need independent minds to maintain integrity in policing”: Commissioner opens recruitment for key role

Posted on 6th October 2023 | by Alex Winter

SURREY residents able to uphold police to the highest standards are being urged to apply for roles as Independent Members.

The post, advertised by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, will see successful applicants appointed to Police Gross Misconduct Panels.

Panels are convened when police officers or staff are accused of breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour, and can lead to dismissal from their force.

Surrey Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Independent Members around the country support and promote public confidence by maintaining integrity in policing.

“Independent minds”

“Recent high-profile cases, including those of both Wayne Couzens and David Carrick, underline the need to instil the core values of ethics and morality in everything our offices and staff do.

“That’s why my office, as well as Commissioner’s offices in Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, are recruiting more Independent Members.

“We’re looking for local people with independent minds and keen analytical skills. They might come from the professional worlds of law, social work or another relevant area, but whatever their background is, they’ll need to be able to analyse a large amount of information and make sound, reasoned decisions.

Applications open

“We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. As a result, we welcome applications for this crucial role from local people with a passion of promoting the highest standards in policing.”

Independent Members usually sit on three or four panels a year. They will commit to a four-year term, with the possibility of a further extension. The role requires police vetting.

Applications close at midnight on October 15.

For more information, or to download an application pack, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/vacancy/independent-members/

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 1st September 2023 | 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 20th June 2023 | 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.

“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.