PCC reflects on achievements and challenges as 2022-23 Annual Report is released

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones, says she will continue to deliver a police force that connects with the public and ensures safer communities.

Her message comes as she releases her Annual Report for the year October 2022 to September 2023.

It details the Commissioner’s achievements and key milestones including the recruitment of 650 more police officers, the opening up of 10 more police stations to the public, supporting the move away from mandatory degrees to get officers out on the streets quicker, reducing anti-social behaviour, and providing millions of pounds to support victims of crime.

PCC Donna Jones said: “This report is a comprehensive account of the progress I’ve made, the challenges I’ve faced, and the achievements I’ve accomplished to building safer communities, to reducing offending and reoffending, and to drawing on community engagement and partnerships to drive down crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“It’s been a fascinating and challenging period, and my Annual Report highlights my commitment to new and innovative approaches that are making a difference across the two counties.”

The publication also highlights the Commissioner’s commitment to funding a range of community safety initiatives, from her £200K a year ASB Taskforce fund to ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology to fight crime through crime-focused grants rounds. In addition, the success of the newly reformed Violence Reduction Unit to reduce serious violence and knife crime among 14 to 24 year olds which includes the creation of a Violent Crime Task Force.

To ensure the voice of the public has run throughout her decision making, the Commissioner has engaged with thousands of members of the public and attended hundreds of council and public meetings.

Targeted interventions, awarding impactful grants and contracts, sustaining effective partnerships and listening to victims are core threads that run through the report.

PCC Donna Jones said: “It’s only by working together that we can be stronger and safer, so I’ve made sure that community engagement and successful partnerships are the building blocks for every element of my promise to building and sustaining safer communities.

“I’m always listening to the concerns and feedback from residents and businesses to help shape interventions and to commission services that are effective, have meaning, and most importantly deliver results.”

Highlights detailed in the Annual Report include:

• Surpassing the government target of 498 extra police officers with 600 delivered and achieving another 50
• Opening up 10 more police stations to the public over the next 18 months
• Successfully campaigning for the end of the mandatory degree so officers can get out on the streets quicker
• Purchasing electric bikes for every district in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
• Supporting the Chief Constable’s new geographic model which is committed to providing excellent local policing
• Committing £200K with the ASB Taskforce every year to tackle anti-social behaviour
• Setting up a Violent Crime Taskforce that’s effectively combating violent crime
• Funding eight new speed cameras on the A32 and A272 to improve road safety

The Police and Crime Commissioner is required by law to produce an annual report, and has presented the publication to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel, the body that scrutinises the Commissioner’s work.

The Panel’s Chairman, Councillor Seán Woodward said: “We have carefully considered the report put forward by Donna Jones and, following detailed scrutiny, we are satisfied that the report provides evidence that she is carrying out her plans effectively.

“It reflects the Commissioner’s ongoing firm commitment, supported by the Police and Crime Panel, to ensuring that our communities remain amongst the safest places to live, work and visit in the country.

“These reports are essential for providing ongoing visibility to members of the public and allowing all residents to see clearly what has been promised and what is being delivered.”

PCC Donna Jones added: “The world of policing never stands still, and I am very proud of the achievements throughout my time in office and the results over these last 12 months.

“I will continue to work at pace to deliver solutions that make communities safer, working closely with the Chief Constable and all our partners and communities to make sure residents, businesses and visitors across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight get the policing service they deserve.”

The Annual Report 2022-2023 can be accessed here