Donna Jones takes the PCC Oath of Office and promises to continue delivering for the people of Hampshire & the Isle of Wight

Donna Jones has made the declaration of acceptance of office ahead of her second term as the Police and Crime Commissioner during a ceremony at Portsmouth Magistrates Court.

Donna is the first and only PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to be re-elected into the role for a second term.

The oath says that the PCC will serve the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, act with integrity and diligence, give a voice to the public, cut crime and protect the public.

On taking the oath on Wednesday 8 May 2024, Donna said: “I’m delighted to have returned as the PCC. I have a proven track record of delivering on the promises I have made, that will continue over the next four years. The public across Hampshire & the Isle of Wight deserve a first class police service and I’m determined to give it to them, whilst also making it one of the best value for money forces in the country.”

Donna was first elected as Police and Crime Commissioner in 2021 and in three years fulfilled all of the policing pledges outlined in her Police and Crime Plan.

Increasing police numbers and visibility achieved through the recruitment of 650 more police officers, the launch of the Local Bobby scheme which provides named and contactable police officers for every community, and the pledge to reopen 10 more police stations and front counters. The Commissioner also reduced call waiting times on the 101 service, introduced Victims Hubs in police stations and commissioned more than £11M of victim support and perpetrator intervention programmes.

The Commissioner says her second term will build on the achievements already delivered: “It’s vital that victims of crime are supported and heard, and that taxpayers get a policing service that’s fit for purpose with an unrelenting focus on driving down crime.

“My second term will also see a huge crackdown on shoplifting and rural crime, the recruitment of more police officers and ensuring people reporting a crime receive feedback from the Constabulary.

“The public have once again put their faith in me as their Police and Crime Commissioner. Working with the Chief Constable, I will continue to be the public’s voice on policing by listening and taking action swiftly and efficiently.

“My next step is asking people for their views on policing priorities so I can put together a new Police and Crime Plan and set the force’s strategic direction for the next four years.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “Over the last twelve months, the force has made significant changes that put victims first, bringing back the focus on local policing, and taking the fight to criminals.

“In the time we have worked together, PCC Donna Jones has backed the important changes we have made and been supportive of policing. I look forward to working with her going forward in our respective roles delivering for the public.”

Donna officially begins her second term as Police and Crime Commissioner today, Thursday 9 May 2024.

What is the oath of office? 

The oath was introduced in 2012 when the first PCCs took up their roles. It’s designed to provide a platform for Police and Crime Commissioners to set out publicly their commitment to the communities they represent.

Once the PCC is elected, they have to make a declaration of office. The successful candidate starts their term of office as PCC on the seventh calendar day after polling day. To be able to discharge the functions of the PCC role the successful candidate must make a declaration of acceptance of office, as set out in section 70 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

Any declaration made under this section must be made before—

(a) the appropriate officer;

(b) a justice of the peace or magistrate in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or

(c) a commissioner appointed to administer oaths in the Senior Courts.

The declaration must be in the prescribed form as set out in schedule 1 of the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Declaration of Acceptance of Office) Order 2012. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2553/contents/made