PCC Donna Jones launches her new Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, has unveiled her new Police and Crime Plan which will underpin her second term in office.

‘More Police, Safer Streets 2’ builds on the achievements in her first term with a comprehensive strategy to tackle the crimes and issues that matter the most to the public.

The Commissioner’s local priorities for the next four years are based on extensive feedback from the public consultation phase where over 10,300 residents gave their views to help shape policing in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

Increased police visibility and engagement, tackling business and retail crime, combatting rural crime, addressing serious violence and its root causes, road safety, and tackling anti-social behaviour are all top of the Commissioner’s list.

Key takeaways:

The plan commits to recruiting additional officers, reopening police stations and front counters, and expanding her Local Bobby scheme to ensure every community has a dedicated, named and contactable neighbourhood officer.

Donna Jones’ plan focuses on early intervention and collaboration with partners to reduce serious violence, especially among young people, and specifically to combat knife crime.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by rural areas, the plan will enhance technology and resources to combat fly-tipping, poaching, and agricultural theft, while also supporting local businesses against rising shoplifting and organised retail crime.

Road safety is a top priority in this term, with measures aimed at reducing road deaths, tackling dangerous and anti-social driving, and clamping down on illegal e-scooter use.

The plan, which is a legal requirement, also sets out the PCC’s commitment to the national policing priorities including reducing drug supply, tackling cybercrime, and improving outcomes for victims of domestic abuse.

The PCC’s response to national threats such as terrorism, organised crime, and child sexual abuse, are also covered in detail.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I’m delighted to be entering my second term in office with a clear understanding of what the public expect from their police service.

“I will challenge the Constabulary’s performance on behalf of the public, and I will hold the Chief Constable to account on delivering the priorities you have told me the police must focus on.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “This Police and Crime Plan goes hand in glove with the priorities of the force, supporting our efforts as we relentlessly pursue criminals, put victims first and deliver exceptional local policing.

“The Commissioner and I have a shared aim of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight being safe for everyone, and our approach has already seen huge improvements in crime reduction and offenders brought to justice. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s new plan reinforces the joint commitment to focus our efforts on what matters to our communities.

“We will continue to work tirelessly with the Commissioner, our communities, and partner agencies to deliver this plan.”

PCC Donna Jones added: I am honoured to represent you, the public. I am confident that my new Police and Crime Plan will make great strides in ensuring stronger and safer communities.

“An accessible, accountable, tough on crime and open for business police force – this is what you expect and it is my job to make sure that continues to happen.”

The Police Commissioner’s new Police and Crime Plan ‘More Police, Safer Streets 2’ can be read or downloaded from www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/commissioner/police-crime-plan. You can also request a printed copy of the Plan by emailing opcc@hampshire.police.uk, calling 01962 871595, or writing to Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, The Long Barn, Dean Estate, Wickham Road, Fareham, PO17 5BN.