Police and Crime Panel approves Donna Jones’ 2024-2028 Police and Crime Plan

Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has secured approval from the Police and Crime Panel for her new Police and Crime Plan for 2024-2028. The plan, titled “More Police, Safer Streets 2,” sets out a comprehensive strategy to improve safety across the region, increase police visibility, and tackle crime in both urban and rural communities.

The Police and Crime Panel, which provides scrutiny and oversight of the Commissioner’s work, unanimously endorsed the plan following a detailed presentation from Donna Jones. The plan reflects feedback from over 10,000 residents and incorporates key local and national policing priorities.

Speaking about the approval, Donna Jones said: “I am delighted that the Police and Crime Panel has endorsed my new plan for my second term in office. It reflects the views of the public and addresses the issues that matter most to our communities; from increasing police visibility to tackling serious violence, rural crime, and anti-social behaviour. This plan will build on the foundations laid in my first term and continue to make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place to live, work, and visit.”

Key priorities in the 2024-2028 plan:

• Increasing police presence: 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.
• Tackling serious violence and knife crime: 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.
• Rural and retail 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 and anti-social driving: Road safety is a top priority, with measures aimed at reducing road deaths, tackling dangerous and anti-social driving, and clamping down on illegal e-scooter use.

The Commissioner’s plan also aligns with national policing priorities, including reducing drug supply, tackling cybercrime, and improving outcomes for victims of domestic abuse. Donna Jones emphasised the importance of working closely with local communities and partners to ensure these national issues are addressed with a strong local focus.

The Commissioner has also reaffirmed her commitment to addressing national threats such as terrorism, organised crime, and child sexual abuse. Donna Jones stated that she would ensure Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary would be well-prepared to handle these significant challenges.

The plan also emphasises the importance of community engagement and transparent policing. Donna Jones is committed to holding regular accountability meetings and providing residents with better access to police officers and timely updates on crime investigations.

The Police and Crime Panel’s approval of the plan marks the beginning of its implementation, with work already underway to deliver on its promises. An example of the Commissioner already pressing ahead was the launch of the new Hampshire and Isle of Wight Business Crime Partnership earlier this week.

Donna Jones explained: “This plan is about making sure we have the resources and capabilities to tackle both local crime and the broader, more complex threats facing our region. I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure efficient and effective policing for all residents. I’m pleased to get started and begin delivering for residents once again.”

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel Chair Karen Lucioni said: “At our Police and Crime Panel meeting held today we have carefully scrutinised the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, informed by the recent Police and Crime public consultation, and are unanimous in our approval of its content.

“We believe the four-year Plan sets out a robust blueprint for the Commissioner’s term in office, and we are particularly reassured to see targets for the recruitment of more police officers and the reopening of local police stations. We look forward to seeing this plan translated into detailed delivery plan early next year. We are also pleased to see the Commissioner’s clear commitment to tackling crime across local communities via a dedicated focus on the core policing functions of response and prevention – thereby meeting residents’ needs and building safer communities.”

The full plan will be published online and printed in due course. Accessible versions of the plan will be available.