Communities across Bedfordshire are being encouraged to put their questions to senior leaders in the likes of local policing, the courts and probation services.

Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye is encouraging residents and partner organisations across the county to ask questions about the local criminal justice system at their annual general meeting next month. 

The AGM, a first of its kind in Bedfordshire, on Tuesday 19 December will hear answers from members of the county’s Criminal Justice Board to questions that have been submitted in advance. 

This will give residents the opportunity to gain an understanding of the work carried out by the Criminal Justice Board, which works to support victims and witnesses of crime and reduce reoffending.  

The criminal justice system is the collection of agencies including the police, the courts and others involved in the detection and prevention of crime, those involved in the prosecution of people accused of committing crimes, the conviction and sentencing of those found guilty, and the imprisonment and rehabilitation of ex-offenders. 

The aim of the Criminal Justice Board, which is chaired by My Akinbusoye, is to improve communication, co-operation and collaboration to provide fair, efficient and effective criminal justice services in Bedfordshire.  

Questions should be submitted no later than Friday 15 December at 5pm.  

“I would like to encourage anyone who has a question about the criminal justice system to get in touch and use this opportunity to find out more about the criminal justice system in Bedfordshire,” Mr Akinbusoye said.  

“As set out in my Police and Crime Plan, under ‘Transparency and open communication,’ I am committed to providing open and honest spaces where people have the chance to speak with us directly.  

“This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the criminal justice world. By hearing views and questions from local residents, we are better able to understand concerns and areas we can address in the meeting or take away and work on.”  

To submit a question you can email pcc@beds.police.uk using ‘CJB AGM questions’ as the subject, or write to the Office of the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner. 

Anyone who lives, works or studies in Bedfordshire can submit one question limited to a maximum of 100 words.  

Questions must relate to the criminal justice system within the county, and you must provide your name, address, and contact telephone number.