Strategic policing requirement

The Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR) outlines the critical national threats that pose the greatest risks to public safety and guides Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in shaping and updating Police and Crime Plans.

This framework ensures that local and regional policing strategies are aligned with national priorities, enabling a cohesive response to shared challenges.

The SPR serves to support PCCs and Chief Constables in planning, preparing for, and addressing these threats by emphasising the need for robust local responses that are firmly linked to national requirements. It highlights the capabilities, collaborations, and partnerships necessary for policing to fulfil its obligations effectively.

In its latest revision, published in 2023, the SPR provided enhanced guidance on the actions required at local and regional levels to tackle critical national threats. It identifies seven priority areas, which are:

• Violence against women and girls (VAWG)
• Terrorism
• Serious and organised crime
• National cyber incidents
• Child sexual abuse
• Public disorder
• Civil emergencies

My Police and Crime Plan incorporates insights gained from ongoing oversight and scrutiny processes, including lessons from formal review programmes.

My team will continue to engage actively with Force Governance Boards to maintain direct access to current operational and strategic information related to the SPR and I will review progress as part of my ongoing formal meetings with the Chief Constable.

Moreover, the SPR’s priorities remain integral to the Force’s refreshed Control Strategy and vision document, “Our Plan,” ensuring they are embedded into every facet of policing in Surrey.

This alignment will help ensure that our strategies are forward-looking and responsive to both local needs and national responsibilities.

As we move into this next phase, I will maintain vigilant oversight of the Force’s adherence to the SPR, ensuring that Surrey Police is well-prepared to meet these critical national challenges and deliver a safer future for our communities.

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