As Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, I was elected to be the voice of residents in Cumbria, protect our communities and ensure that victims are at the heart of everything we do. I also have a duty to ensure everyone, including all frontline staff, are supported and protected in our criminal justice system.
I echo the points and share the concerns raised in the recent open letter from 50 police chiefs through the National Police Chiefs Council – both in relation to frontline emergency service workers who place their lives on the line every day to keep our country safe and for the impact the Early Release Scheme will have on victims and their families.
The death of PC Andrew Harper and the impact on his family had a profound effect on all emergency service workers across the UK. As someone that served as a Police Officer, this is an issue close to my heart. In 1990, whilst on duty, I was dragged 80 yards by a drunk driver, so I understand the risks Police Officers face on a daily basis carrying out their roles. Officers go out every day, hoping that they come home safe – sadly this is not always the case. The very least we can do is make sure that Officers and their families feel supported by the system they have dedicated their lives to upholding.
Victims of serious and violent crimes and their families suffer serious trauma, and one small consolation is that those who cause the harm receive fair sentences that carry weight and prove that public safety is of the upmost importance.
I understand and support the fact that a solution is needed to address the prison overcrowding crisis. However; this solution cannot be at the detriment of victims and community safety. We also need to fully support the services that will take the brunt of the pressure caused by early releases such as probation, victim support services and frontline officers.
My priority is to support victims through this Scheme and ensure their voices are the loudest during these discussions – not solely because it is part of my role but because it is the right thing to do. We all deserve to feel safe in our communities and have faith that, if a crime is committed, we will be supported and protected. This is the foundation that the Criminal Justice System was built on and it must be upheld.
I will continue my support to all victims and work with partners to protect Cumbria’s residents and visitors from violence.