Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye has today launched his Police and Crime Plan for 2021 – 2024.
The Commissioner spoke with members of the public, colleagues and partners to help with his research to help shape the final plan. This research influenced the topics and these were tested through a survey with the public from 5th July to 1st August in which almost 1000 residents and partners completed.
The Commissioner will release his 100-day report at an official launch event in Dunstable tomorrow where he will highlight the Police and Crime Plan. The 100-day report details the progress of what the Commissioner has delivered since being elected. The Police and Crime Plan sets out the strategic direction of the Office of The Police and Crime Commissioner.
Mr Akinbusoye said “My number one priority is the safety of each of our residents – irrespective of whether they live in our busy urban settings, growing market towns or rural communities. Therefore, this Police and Crime Plan sets out a vision that delivers for all of Bedfordshire, with a strong emphasis on crime prevention, victim care and visible community policing”.
The Police and Crime plan is broken down into seven priority areas as detailed below:
- Investment in community-based and community-led policing for urban and rural areas.
- Recruitment and retention of police officers.
- Tackling the causes of crime and breaking the cycle of re-offending.
- Placing residents and victims at centre of policing priorities.
- Multi-agency approach to community safety and crime reduction.
- Transparency and open communication.
- National contributions.
A large focus of the plan is on being at the forefront of a prevention-based approach as well as enforcement and this is prominent throughout each of the priorities. Ultimately, the plan highlights tangible measures in which the Commissioner is striving to make Bedfordshire a safer place for all communities to live and work. Read the full plan in detail on the website here.