Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Tizard attended the third meeting of the Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Police and Crime Advisory Panel last week (12 June), to formally introduce himself to members and discuss the concerns of councillors for the towns and villages of Central Bedfordshire.
This followed a meeting of the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel which was held at Bedford Borough Council on Tuesday 4 June.
The CBC Advisory Panel, formed in January this year, provides scrutiny of the decisions or actions taken in connection with community safety in Central Bedfordshire specifically.
Speaking at the start of the meeting, the PCC said: “It’s great to be here in Central Bedfordshire. I say that as someone who lives just down the road in Shefford. I’m in my fifth week as PCC and it’s been a period of listening, learning, meeting, deliberating, and planning for the year ahead. I’m keen to hear from members of the panel as well as residents and stakeholders across the county.
“The PCC is an elected public office with the role of holding the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of an effective and efficient police service, but it’s important to be voice of the police as well as residents. This does not mean, however, that the PCC is operational in any capacity. The role has an overview of the police service and must identify where there are reoccurring issues and concerns for residents.
“Partnership is vital to the work of the police service, and that is why I believe it’s crucial that the PCC engages effectively with local authorities. I’m grateful for the warm welcome that I have received from local councillors and want all stakeholders to feel able to approach my office.
“My priorities for my term will be to tackle serious and organised crime, an issue that has sadly brought harm to a number of families. Bedfordshire Police is dedicated to tackling serious violence and organised crime and will continue to do so both regionally and nationally as well.
“I also want to reinvigorate community policing, and the way local policing teams engage with their communities, to build relationships and respond effectively. Speaking to senior officers in my first weeks as PCC I have come to really understand that community policing is the front line of intelligence for the force.”
The PCC continued to talk about the support that he and the newly appointed Deputy PCC, Umme Ali, will give to victims of crime. Further to this, they will be scrutinising the effectiveness of the agencies involved in the criminal justice system, and ways to encourage young people to be diverted from entering criminality.
Thanking the PCC for his attendance at the meeting, Councillor Mark Versallion said: “With his experience as a Councillor, we are confident that the new PCC will recognise the importance of working closely with local authorities particularly on issues such as childrens’ social services.
“It was pleasing to hear about plans to reinvigorate community policing and reflect on the needs of rural communities also and I’m sure the Council will want to work closely with the Commissioner to ensure that the priorities of our residents are in line with the priorities outlined in the Police and Crime Plan”.