Since taking up the role in May 2024, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, continues to deliver on his commitments to residents to strengthen neighbourhood policing, improve services for victims, and ensure that local priorities are at the heart of Policing and Fire Service decisions.
Over the last two years in office, the Commissioner has:
- Supporting Cumbria Constabulary to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour with both reducing by 4.8% and 32.6% respectively.
- Invested £253,439.59 into local community organisations through Property and Community Funds to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and provide diversionary activities, aligning with the Police, Fire and Crime Plan priorities.
- Funded a pilot that sees Independent Domestic Violence Advisors from Victim Support sit in Police call centre Thursday – Sunday, 4pm until midnight. Since the pilot launched in September 2025, over 456 victims have been offered immediate support at the moment of reporting domestic abuse.
- Successfully bid for £1m in extra funding from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to tackle ASB in 15 hotspots across the county. Since its launch in July 2024, ASB has reduced by 42.1% in these hotspot areas.
- Hosted 35 public surgeries, received 2,093 correspondences to the Commissioner’s Office known as Quality of Service Issues, and attended 239 engagements to ensure that the public are able to share their concerns and that the Commissioner is visible in our communities.
- Investing £7,199,833.41 into Commissioned Services, ensuring tailored, trauma-informed help for those affected by crime.
- Invested into Police and Fire estates to ensure all buildings are fit for purpose and that both organisations have the right equipment to keep residents and visitors safe.
- Eight Fire Stations across the county have received vital updates to ensure the stations are fit for purpose and that they can assist Firefighters in serving the public as best as possible. Six stations have been identified as priorities in 2026/27 to continue this positive work.
- Championing Cumbria at a national level, ensuring that our voice is heard nationally and that we get the funding we deserve.
Speaking on his time in post, Commissioner David Allen, said: “Over the last two years, I have been dedicated to being the voice of residents in Policing and Fire.
“I want to ensure that I am visible in communities across the county and represent the public, not just locally but on a national stage.
“Some difficult decisions have had to be made. However, I continue to fight for Cumbria and make sure our Police and Fire & Rescue services are in the best possible position to keep the public safe and prioritise what the public want to see from our organisations.
“Crime and ASB continue to fall, a big part of this follows Operation Enhance that has seen additional patrols in our hotspot areas.
“Prevention is the key to reducing crime long-term which is why I invest in local groups that provide positive diversions for young people through my Community and Property Fund. Groups can apply for up to £2,500 which may seem like a small amount but it can make all the difference, I’ve seen this first hand.
“Victims are at the heart of everything we do so investing in services that support victims of any crime is crucial – everyone copes and recovers in their own way so I’m proud to commission tailored support services such as Victim Support Cumbria. The IDVA pilot is proving to be a great success with over 456 people being offered immediate support when reporting domestic abuse to the Police, providing victims with a stronger chance to move away from an abusive situation and have a better life.
“Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has continued to develop over the last year. Since the publication of His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service’s (HMICFRS) inspection report in July 2025, I am encouraged by the progress being made and I have maintained a strong focus on the Service’s response to the Areas for Improvement identified by the Inspectorate.
“The Service has also expanded the Fire Cadet programme in Barrow, Whitehaven, Carlisle on top of the existing unit in Workington. As of this week, 54 cadets have completed an initial training programme including basic firefighting, first aid and effective communication and are now taking part in their passing-out parades. This is an exciting opportunity for our young people to get involved in a really fun experience, make new friends, grow their confidence and have a positive impact on their communities.
“I have provided funding to CFRS through my Serious Violence Duty to deliver courses on youth arson as part of their Developing Resilience Programme. Preventative approaches can be incredibly effective, particularly for young people, to provide the support and skills required to make positive life choices. The prevention course is nationally recognised and specifically designed for young people to change their future behaviours. The Programme won the Children and Young People Award at the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Celebrating Prevention Awards last November so I am pleased to see the great work of CFRS being recognised nationally.
“Investing in our emergency services in necessary to keep them fit for purpose and allows them to serve and protect their communities best. The financial landscape, nationally, isn’t brilliant but I will continue to support Police and Fire where it is most needed so that they are always there when the public need them.
“’Putting people first’ is the first priority in my Police, Fire and Crime Plan and, in my opinion, the most important one. By keeping the public, victims and staff in the forefront of my mind for every decision I make, I hope that I can help make Cumbria a better and safer place to be. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together so far but there is still a lot to be done. I will continue to update the public on all the positive work taking place across Policing and Fire over the next year to help protect Cumbria’s safety.”