The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed the focus on neighbourhood policing and protecting victims in a new government plan launched today during a visit by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to Surrey Police headquarters.
The Commissioner said she was pleased the Beating Crime Plan sought not only to tackle serious violence and high harm offences but also to drive down local crime issues such as Anti-Social Behaviour.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel were welcomed by the Commissioner to the Force’s Mount Browne HQ in Guildford today to coincide with the launch of the plan.
During the visit they met with some of the Surrey Police Volunteer Cadets, were given an insight into the police officer training programme and saw first-hand the work of the Force contact centre.
They were also introduced to some of the police dogs and their handlers from the Force’s internationally renowned dog school.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I’m delighted to have welcomed the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to our headquarters here in Surrey today to meet some of the brilliant teams Surrey Police has to offer.
“It was a great opportunity to showcase the training we are doing here in Surrey to ensure our residents get a first-class policing service. I know our visitors were impressed with what they saw and it was a proud moment for everyone.
“I am determined to ensure we continue to put local people at the heart of policing so I am pleased that the plan announced today will put a particular focus on neighbourhood policing and protecting victims.
“Our neighbourhood teams play a critical role in tackling those local crime issues we know are so important to our residents. So it was good to see that this is given prominence in the government’s plan and I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister re-affirm his commitment to visible policing.
“I especially welcome the renewed commitment to treat anti-social behaviour with the seriousness it deserves, and that this plan recognises the importance of engaging early with young people to prevent crime and exploitation.
“I am currently forming my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey so I will be looking closely to see how the government’s plan can will fit in with the priorities that I will set for policing in this county.”