PCC releases 2021-22 Annual Report

Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has reflected on the achievements and challenges of her first year in office as she releases her Annual Report for 2021/22.

The report provides an overview of the Commissioner’s activities and key successes from when she took post in May 2021 up until September 2022. It covers the recruitment of nearly 600 new police officers, extra funding for the region to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), domestic abuse and bespoke support for victims of sexual violence.

It also details the progress against the priorities set out in her Police and Crime Plan and shines a spotlight on some of the key projects being undertaken to increase the safety of people and communities in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight including the Safer Streets initiatives, perpetrator focussed projects and restorative justice.

During her first 16 months in post the Commissioner attended more than 100 parish, town and Neighbourhood Watch meetings, met with thousands of members of the public and partners across the two counties, and collated more than 20,400 responses from members of the public through consultations.

She’s used the 44-page report to thank everyone for their support and reaffirm her determination to use the rest of her term to deliver much more.

Some of the highlights of the Commissioner’s term in office so far are:

• Securing more than £3.8million for community safety projects
• Pioneering an ASB taskforce, dedicated £200k annually to reduce ASB in partnership
• Recruiting 600 extra police officers by 2023
• Improving police visibility by opening a new police hub in Bitterne, Southampton
• Providing £677,000 to buy average speed cameras for the A32 and A272 within the Meon Valley
• Awarding Youth Offending Teams three-year funding to focus on early intervention to prevent youth offending and reduce crime long-term
• Funding anti-knife crime projects to be delivered into schools
• Reducing ASB in the Bargate area of Southampton by 49% through funding Safer Streets initiatives
• Investing in effective restorative justice solutions where a victim agrees to engage in Restorative Justice with startling results; 99% of offenders contacted agreed to take part in the process
• Supplying feedback to the Home Office on new legislation within the Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 as part of tackling unauthorised encampments
• Investing in tackling rural crime by providing funding for a Rural Crime Analyst

The Commissioner is required by law to produce an annual report. She has unveiled the final version today after presenting it to the Police and Crime Panel, the body which scrutinises her work. Panel members, who had previously provided feedback on a draft version of the report, formally endorsed the document.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “I’m pleased to be able to release this report which reflects on my first 16 months in post and all the work which has been undertaken to build stronger, safer communities across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

“It’s been a fascinating, busy, productive, and sometimes challenging time. The best part has been meeting so many people, listening to their views and hearing what more we can do, working together, to make communities safer and stronger.

“This annual report will provide you with an insight into the work my team and I have carried out locally and nationally to bring about positive policing changes.

“To date, I am delighted to say that we are on track to recruit an extra 600 police officers by 2023 after you unequivocally told me you wanted more police on the streets.

“I have also secured millions of pounds of extra funding which has been invested directly into key initiatives preventing crime in hotspot areas and providing specialist support for victims of crime, the results of which are already being seen and felt in communities, but there is more to do.

“I have asked my staff to increase the range of engagement opportunities with all communities, partners and the public to ensure I am connected with local people on policing and crime matters.

“I would like to thank you for your contribution and feedback. Your valued input has enabled me to gain an even better insight into the issues that affect you the most. Your concerns are my priorities, and I will ensure your voices continue to be heard.”

The report, which has been produced as an interactive PDF, includes infographics and case studies illustrating the Commissioner’s work including how she engages with the communities of Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, holds the Chief Constable to account, and delivers the best service possible for victims by funding specialist services which complement the work of the police.

The report gives both the Panel and the public the chance to review and appraise her progress in delivering her police and crime priorities and your feedback is very welcome.

Please do contact us to provide it by visiting our Contact Us page.