Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, is asking Derbyshire residents to share their views on police funding as she prepares to set the 2024-25 budget for Derbyshire Constabulary.
The Commissioner has launched a new survey to determine public support for a small rise in the county’s policing precept – the portion of council tax that helps to fund local policing – to sustain the significant improvements delivered over the last two years.
These include investment in more police officers, the right equipment and high levels of training which are now making a tangible difference to feelings of safety in communities.
There are now more police officers in Derbyshire and Derby City than ever before. Since 2021 anti-social behaviour across the county is down by 47%, while residential burglaries have reduced by 31% and theft by 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The budget in 2023-24 supported a raft of improvements, including new Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Teams to strengthen the resources dedicated to investigating robbery and burglary, the training of more than 500 officers in Taser deployment and 1,000 extra hours of speed enforcement on the county’s roads.
The Commissioner is determined to sustain this strong performance and deliver further progress to support the police in cutting crime and keeping residents safe.
In launching this year’s survey, Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “We have made significant improvements to the way crime and anti-social behaviour is tackled in Derbyshire. The promises that I made to the public last year have been delivered. I am pleased that, over the past 12 months, the money local people have contributed towards policing have helped make the force stronger, more resilient and more effective at investigating the crimes that cause them fear and threaten their safety.
“There are now 351 additional officers on our streets – well above the recruitment target we were set nationally. They are already making their presence known across Derbyshire and Derby City, delivering the robust action people expect and pursuing offenders who cause harm in our communities.
“I know that families, individuals, businesses, and public sector organisations are facing unprecedented financial hardship. Rising inflation and increased costs are making life difficult for everybody and policing is no different. It is more important than ever to ensure that the money people contribute towards police services delivers maximum value and puts the force in a strong position to respond to future challenges. I will continue to use robust scrutiny of finances to ensure this is delivered.
“But it is vital we build on our success and achieve the full range of improvements in our policing service. Ongoing investment will help to expand the force’s capabilities further and increase the trust and confidence of the public, especially victims of crime who are central to everything we do.”
The Commissioner has invested over £221k in new and upgraded Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras through the Commissioner’s budget. These are now successfully disrupting crime and helping to bring offenders to justice.
In addition, to deliver a more responsive and effective 101 service and reduce waiting time, the Commissioner has put forward significant investments into the Call Centre, with new and improved technology and additional staff.
To complete the survey, visit: https://bit.ly/DerbyshirePoliceBudget24-25
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