In a recent meeting with cross-party representatives from local authorities, Lancashire Police Commissioner, Andy Grunshaw, outlined his vision for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour across the region. The commissioner emphasized the importance of increasing police visibility, investing in training and development, and rebuilding connections with the community. This comprehensive plan aims to create a safer and more secure environment for residents, businesses, and visitors to Lancashire.
The Importance of Police Visibility
Mr. Grunshaw stressed the need to get more police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) back out on the streets, where they can build relationships with the community and tackle crime effectively. This approach is crucial in building trust and confidence between the police and the public. By increasing police visibility, the commissioner aims to create a sense of safety and security, which is essential for community cohesion and economic growth.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of having a visible police presence in the community, particularly in areas where crime and anti-social behavior are prevalent. This includes increasing the number of police officers and PCSOs on patrol, as well as deploying them to high-crime areas. By having a visible police presence, the community can feel more secure and confident in reporting crimes and concerns to the police.
Investing in Training and Development
The commissioner recognized the importance of investing in training and development to ensure that police officers and PCSOs have the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the complex issues facing the community. This includes training on community engagement, conflict resolution, and crisis management. By investing in training and development, the police force can ensure that they are equipped to respond effectively to the needs of the community.
Mr. Grunshaw emphasized the need for police officers and PCSOs to have a deep understanding of the community they serve. This includes understanding the cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to crime and anti-social behavior. By having a better understanding of the community, police officers and PCSOs can develop targeted strategies to address the root causes of crime and anti-social behavior.
Rebuilding Connections with the Community
Mr. Grunshaw highlighted the importance of rebuilding connections with the community, which has been eroded in recent years due to reductions in police staff and PCSOs. The commissioner pledged to increase PCSO numbers, which have fallen from 450 in 2010 to less than 220 in 2024. PCSOs play a vital role in building relationships with the community, providing a visible presence on the streets, and addressing low-level anti-social behavior.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of engaging with the community through regular meetings, feedback mechanisms, and community events. By engaging with the community, the police force can build trust and confidence, and gather valuable intelligence on crime and anti-social behavior. This includes working with local businesses, community groups, and residents to develop targeted strategies to address specific issues.
Incorporating Learnings from Op Centurion
The commissioner discussed the success of Op Centurion, a policing initiative that targeted anti-social behavior and saw encouraging results. Mr. Grunshaw plans to incorporate the learnings from this operation into the wider plan for local policing, ensuring that the police force is equipped to tackle the root causes of crime and anti-social behavior.
Op Centurion was a targeted policing initiative that aimed to reduce anti-social behavior in specific areas of Lancashire. The operation involved deploying additional police officers and PCSOs to high-crime areas, as well as engaging with the community through regular meetings and feedback mechanisms. The results of Op Centurion were encouraging, with a significant reduction in anti-social behavior and an increase in community engagement.
Working with Government and MPs
Mr. Grunshaw emphasized the importance of working with the Government and local MPs to make changes needed to support local policing. This includes introducing new legislation to give police powers to crack down on knife crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behavior. The commissioner is committed to working with stakeholders to rebuild public trust and confidence in the police force.
The commissioner highlighted the need for the Government to provide adequate funding for the police force, as well as support for community-based initiatives that aim to reduce crime and anti-social behavior. By working together, the police force, Government, and local MPs can develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the complex issues facing Lancashire.
Implications for the Community
The commissioner’s plan has significant implications for the community. By increasing police visibility, investing in training and development, and rebuilding connections with the community, the police force can create a safer and more secure environment. The community can expect to see more police officers and PCSOs on the streets, working to address low-level anti-social behavior and building relationships with local residents.
The community can also expect to see a reduction in crime and anti-social behavior, as well as an increase in community engagement and participation. By working together with the police force, the community can develop targeted strategies to address specific issues and create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
Conclusion
Mr. Grunshaw’s plan to tackle crime and anti-social behavior in Lancashire is a welcome development. By increasing police visibility, investing in training and development, and rebuilding connections with the community, the police force can create a safer and more secure environment. The commissioner’s commitment to working with the Government and local MPs is essential in ensuring that the police force has the necessary resources and powers to tackle the complex issues facing the community.
The community can play a vital role in supporting the police force by reporting crimes and concerns, engaging with community-based initiatives, and participating in community events. By working together, the police force, community, and stakeholders can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone in Lancashire.