The Policing Plan

The Police Authority has started to review its policing priorities and to consider the level of Council Tax that it will set next year in order to deliver them. This year the authority has decided to consult more widely using an online survey to make it easier to give feedback.

The Policing Pledge will continue to feature in the Plan and initial considerations indicate that we need to continue our focus on the six ‘Red Lines’:

• Reduce the most serious violent, organised and acquisitive crimes
• Protect vulnerable people, including victims of sexual offences
• Bring more serious offenders to justice
• Improve public confidence and satisfaction in the police services
• Increase people’s feelings of safety
• Reduce anti-social behaviour, including alcohol-related disorder

However, it has become clear from calls made to the police (about 60,000 a year) and from feedback we receive direct from the public,that anti-social behaviour is taking on greater prominence across the county. The same is true of inconsiderate motoring, include dangerous or obstructive parking, speeding, particularly in residential areas, and other inconsiderate or dangerous practices, such as the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

Concerns about the levels of rural crime have also been raised.

We, therefore, need to consider whether these issues should be given a higher priority in the Policing Plan and, if they are, how best to ensure that the Constabulary are able to meet these challenges.

We shall, therefore, be consulting on three alternative levels of Council Tax increase - 1.5%, 5% and 15%.

The Authority wishes to gauge the opinion of the public about their willingness to pay more for their local policing.

We would be grateful if you would take the time to complete the survey It can be accessed via the website - www.hertspa.org -

Download this page in PDF format