Umme Ali has been appointed as the new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.
Ms Ali’s appointment was confirmed at the meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on Tuesday.
Umme will focus on supporting the PCC to develop strategies to reduce violence against women and children, which will be a core mission in the commissioner’s forthcoming police and crime plan. Umme will also champion victims and ensure that they are put at the heart of policing and the wider criminal justice system.
Umme is a local councillor representing High Town ward in Luton and serves on the council’s Cabinet as the portfolio holder for Children’s Services.
Umme has vast experience in multi-agency working, she serves as a trustee at Luton Foodbank and Luton Citizen’s Advice Bureau and in her role as a councillor has worked closely with the police to address serious crime related concerns. Umme was born and has lived in Bedfordshire all her life, and professionally she works as a Specialist Paediatric Dietitian at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: “I am delighted that Umme is my deputy. I know that her experience, energy, commitment and values will bring significant benefit to the people of Bedfordshire.
“Umme’s track record for championing victims of crime and in particular her involvement in combatting exploitation in the High Town ward of Luton in recent years, demonstrates a passion and drive to my missions.
“Umme will support me in fulfilling my duties and will complement my skills and experience. I look forward to working with her over the next four years to promote a fairer and safer Bedfordshire through effective action to secure social and criminal justice.”
This appointment comes as the Police and Crime Commissioner begins his work on the development of the next Police and Crime Plan, due to be launched later this year.
The document will advise on the strategic direction of Bedfordshire Police and highlight the importance of resourcing community policing, tackling violence against women and girls, and combatting the root causes of serious and violent crimes such as knife crime.