As Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, I am here to represent the people of Derby and Derbyshire and ensure Derbyshire Constabulary deliver the policing service they expect and deserve.
We live in one of the safest counties in the country, but I am determined to make it even safer. I want the focus to be on fighting crime and improving public safety for all. I want to make sure the law-abiding citizen is at the heart of everything we do and that there are fewer victims of crime.
The purpose of this Police and Crime Plan is to challenge the Chief Constable and her hard-working team to drive out criminality and respond to the needs of law-abiding citizens in the way they want.
Before I was elected, I spent many months listening to what residents feel is important to them when it comes to policing. Since taking office in May 2021, I have consulted further with local people, victims of crime, and many organisations dedicated to reducing harm. Their views are reflected in this plan.
The public want to see more police officers in their communities. They want safer roads and lower crime rates with less anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods and to know that vulnerable people will be protected from exploitation and abuse. They also want to know the Force will make its funding work harder to keep them safe. Rural residents want to feel supported and listened to and to know there are enough resources to protect them and their property. People want to know that wherever they live and whatever their background is, the police response will be effective and that officers understand the impact of crime on residents and communities.
My role as Police and Crime Commissioner is to set the strategic priorities for policing in Derbyshire. This plan sets out clear objectives that put the law-abiding citizen and victims of crime at the heart of everything we do. It highlights where the focus of the Force should be and the expectation that we want to see clear positive outcomes in Derbyshire. The detailed implementation of the policing elements of this plan is for the Chief Constable to determine and I will hold her to account on behalf of the public.
This plan will be kept under regular review to ensure that it still meets the needs of the public.
While we expect high standards of service from the police, we must also make sure they are supported through strong leadership. Officers put themselves in harm’s way daily to protect the public. They should be supported and given the tools and powers to protect the public they serve and to protect themselves from harm. I have no doubt that working together with communities and partners to tackle crime, we will make a real difference and make Derbyshire and Derby safer places for everyone.
Angelique Foster
Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire