My first 100 days in office by PCC Tony Hogg

I am writing this on my 100th day in office. If I’m honest it feels more like a hundred minutes because we’ve packed so much in to these first 3 months, and at times there’s hardly been time to catch my breath.

I am really pleased with what I’ve managed to achieve so far. The appointment of a new Chief Constable, publication of police and crime plan and setting the budget quite rightly took a good deal of thought and hard work, and I suspect you wouldn’t want it any other way.

I do realise that many of you are yet to be convinced about the need for a Police and Crime Commissioner, and, indeed, what the role actually involves and how you can make a difference too. Basically I am a direct link between you and the police. A real point of contact for you to make your voice heard and influence the policing priorities that I set. I am not in charge of operational policing, but I will hold the Chief Constable to account for the effective delivery of my plan.

I have already met with hundreds of local people who’ve given me their thoughts, ideas, opinions and suggestions. I have met with partners and other groups. I have built a picture of what people want to see and I am translating that into actions.

The overwhelming message is that you want to see more ‘bobbies on the beat’ so I have maintained officer numbers above three thousand across the force area. I share concerns about alcohol misuse and crime, and I also want to give victims of crime a stronger voice.

I have many other priorities too, but my role is basically about linking communities with police, and this is really important. I will now be able to be out and about much more, and my diary is filling up rapidly with events where I can meet many more of you directly and I’m really looking forward to doing that.

As you’re reading this now, you have access to a computer, but I need to make sure that I can reach the approx 20% of people locally who aren’t able to go on-line as well.

In the meantime, feel free to send questions directly to me, or to The Plymouth Daily. I am happy for them to publish my answers on a regular basis. This dialogue is vital to my role. I want to hear what you have to say and I am a good listener.

Tony Hogg

Police and Crime Commissioner, Devon and Cornwall