Tony Hogg discusses police funding in latest blog
Yesterday (Tuesday 19 January) I spent a couple of hours meeting members of the public in Honiton at one of my regular Meet Your PCC events.
This is our first such event since the Christmas period and the second since my team was successful in highlighting issues with the Government’s flawed review into the police funding formula.
This kind of face to face engagement, allied to the work we do to keep in touch with our digital communities, is both rewarding and vital and we had a steady stream of people coming to talk to us and I was very happy that many were aware of the work the office had done to protect police funding.
The Government’s decisions on both the funding formula and to free the police from further cuts under the comprehensive spending review, has allowed myself and my team to reconsider our focus at events such as yesterday’s.
Whereas previously it has been really important that we fully inform the public about the possible impact funding cuts might have on the police’s ability to deliver an effective service, it means we can now genuinely focus on asking people what they expect from the police in the future.
We will continue to look at how efficiently the force operates and improve the cost of service delivery so if further savings need finding in the future, which is something over which I have little control, the impact of will be lessened.
Many of you will know that I am not seeking re-election in May, but it is my intention to spend the time until the election gathering as much public opinion as possible that will help the new PCC fashion an effective Police and Crime Plan.
Policing has rarely been more complex but I aim to keep in mind the simple straightforward issues that the community values in its police force.
I am very pleased that the next PCC will be able to focus on positive public engagement without the need to spend quite so much time being honest with them about funding issues or preparing them for massive changes to policing.
Dates for my next Meet Your PCC Events are below. I look forward to seeing you there.
Meet your PCC
South Molton, Pannier Market, on 18 February, 11am to 1pm;
Torquay, Union Square, on 15 March, 12noon to 2pm.
I was also lucky enough to spend some time yesterday being given a demonstration of the latest drone technology.
The potential for using drones is great, particularly when it means we don’t have to put front line officers in perilous situations - such as during a chemical incident or cliff top search.
It is early days and the Force really needs to work out how best drones can be deployed but I have no doubt they will have a major role to play in the future of policing.
Tony Hogg
Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner
