Welcome to my latest newsletter.

In this issue

• Give your views about rural policing in North Yorkshire
• Life course helps young people get their lives back on track
• £3m of improvements on the way for North Yorkshire’s 999 and 101 services
• Freeing vulnerable women from the revolving door of crime
• Pioneering work, ‘tackling violence against women and girls’, is featured by national charity
• The importance of openness and transparency in policing

Give your views about rural policing in North Yorkshire

I hope that everyone living or working in a rural community will spare a few minutes to complete the National Rural Crime Network's rural crime survey and make their views known about rural policing in North Yorkshire.

It will provide a clear picture of what has improved, what challenges remain and what more government, police forces and other organisations can do to support the most isolated areas of our county. 

Following a similar survey in 2015, here in North Yorkshire, we launched our Rural Policing Strategy to tackle the problem head on. The fact that, as part of this strategy, we have one of the largest rural crime task forces in the country shows how seriously the issue is being taken by North Yorkshire Police, a force that is determined to meet the needs of our rural communities. 

But I want to know how people and communities feel locally, and whether the changes in North Yorkshire have made a difference.  Please let me know what you think by completing our short survey – www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net

Life course helps young people get their lives back on track

Supporting local communities with particular problems has always been at the heart of what I do, and sometimes just a little help at the right time can have a life changing effect.

I’m really pleased that the young people who took part in the LIFE course enjoyed it and, more importantly, learnt a lot.

These courses really can help young people, who are at risk of taking the wrong path in life, to see a brighter future for themselves and I’m delighted that I can support them through my Community Safety Services Fund. 

By helping individuals avoid criminality, we are helping keep people safe and feel safe.

£3m of improvements on the way for North Yorkshire’s 999 and 101 services

This investment comes on top of improvements made last year, following a drop in performance due to a surge in calls, amid public concerns. The measures so far have resulted in the average time taken to answer a 101 call falling from 3 minutes 35 seconds in August to 1 minute and 6 seconds in February.

Now, in anticipation of a further increase in demand over the busier summer months, additional improvements will be made.

The public has been crystal clear that the performance of the 101 number in particular has not been good enough—this has also impacted on the vital 999 service. Whilst I am pleased that the force has already put in place measures to improve matters, this investment will, over time, ensure that busy periods don’t cause substantial issues and that the police have what they need to provide a first class service to the public.

Freeing vulnerable women from the revolving door of crime

Pioneering work, ‘tackling violence against women and girls’, is featured by national charity

The importance of openness and transparency in policing

Other ways to keep up to date with my work

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