Blog from PCC Tony Hogg: "I am impressed generally by the effectiveness and commitment of officers and staff"

Wherever I go, people ask me whether I am enjoying being the Police and Crime Commissioner. I always tell them that enjoying is probably the wrong word. Relishing? Yes! Challenged? Definitely! Enjoying? I suspect that will only come when the impact of decisions I make is really felt, and Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is even safer than it already is.

I’m lucky to be PCC for this region. Yes, it’s one of the largest policing patches in the country. It faces considerable resourcing challenges to cover urban, rural and coastal issues, but I am impressed generally by the effectiveness and commitment of officers and staff.

I’m now in what I call ‘Phase 2’ of this job. I spent the early months making sure I got big decisions right, such as my policing plan, the budget and the appointment of a Chief Constable.

Now it’s all about making sure that I hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of my plan, and getting out of the office to meet people and listen.

As an example, I was delighted to talk to everyone that came to a recent public meeting in Chudleigh Church. It was a Question Time style event, and we covered a wide range of topics, everything from the future of the local police station, to how we’re going to reduce alcohol misuse and alcohol-related crime. I was encouraged by the general support I received for many areas of my policing plan, and this is an indication that it does accurately reflect the public’s views locally, which, after all, is what the PCC role is all about.

I’m writing this on my way to a knife crime conference in Exeter. I am pleased that this is being staged because, although gang culture and knife crime is not a major problem here, we must never become complacent. There have been recent incidents in Plymouth, Teignmouth, Exeter and elsewhere, but they are, thankfully, isolated. However, as soon as we take this for granted we begin to lose the battle, and this is one I want to be involved in as Commissioner.

I am also planning to make some announcements about rural crime and neighbourhood policing at the Devon County Show this year. The show will also provide a good opportunity for any of you to come and meet me and ask questions, give me your opinions and ideas and generally find out more about what I stand for and what my priorities are. I really hope you will take this opportunity and I will let you know, through ‘The Exeter Daily’ where you can find me.

In the meantime, please see what I am doing via my PCC website or follow me on facebook of twitter (@DC_PCC)

Blog written by Devon & Cornwall PCC Tony Hogg