Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, is thanking the public for taking part in the Police, Fire and Crime Plan consultation that closed earlier this month.
The consultation results will assist with the development of the Police, Fire and Crime Plan for the next four years. The Plan sets out the aims that Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service will prioritise based on what the public would like to see from their services and will be used by the Commissioner to hold the Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer to account in terms of delivery of service against that plan.
Speaking on the consultation, Commissioner David Allen, said: “I want to thank everyone that took the time to fill in the public consultation that will help shape and develop the Police and Fire priorities for our county for the next four years. In a county such as Cumbria, it is essential that local people have a say in what they want to see in respect of the delivery of our Policing and Fire services. This really matters, its democracy in action at a very local level.
“We had more than 1,500 responses - with 1,290 coming directly from our online survey - from residents across the whole county which is a great result and far higher than we have ever had in the past. We have also consulted widely at various public events, meetings with schools, local councils and at public surgeries across the county. The Plan is now in draft stage and what you have told me along with your views and concerns will shape the priorities of policing and fire services within Cumbria. I will be launching the final Police and Fire and Crime Plan later on this year.
“When the consultation closed it was clear that most residents agreed on what concerned them the most in terms of crime/disorder: 55% of respondents highlighted anti-social driving as their main concern with anti-social behaviour not far behind at 36% - these concerns will be front and centre of the plan.
“We have excellent Policing and Fire services in Cumbria, but I believe that it is important that however good we are currently, we continually strive towards improving our services and the quality of the delivery of them. Be assured that I will make sure that the concerns raised by you, the residents of Cumbria, are targeted head on and that the services will work together – where possible – to better protect Cumbria and to provide the results that you want to see.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.