Like you all, I am currently living through this unprecedented period of “lockdown” at home. Although frustrating, it is the only way we can beat this terrible pandemic, and then return to life as normal. With modern technology, I have been able to continue my job from home, and represent the people of Warwickshire and hold the Police Force to account.
I have continued to hold weekly “meetings” with the Chief Constable to understand fully the current challenges to policing in the County. I have also been able to give my support to him and the many organisations who support victims of crime, and help with its reduction and prevention. I can report that they are all providing great services, albeit in different ways to normal.
You will know that our Alliance with West Mercia Police ended at the beginning of April after 18 months of negotiations. As a result they will be paying us to the value of £10.77 million to cover the costs of transition to a new standalone force, but with the resilience of 162 years of history. This is a fair deal for Warwickshire and will enable us to focus on the needs of our communities and residents into the future.
Looking forward, there are many challenges to policing and my focus will be on the reduction of crime and ensuring we have a resilient, well trained and motivated force. They will have the latest equipment and technology and will be working with our partner agencies to keep Warwicshire safe. The Force now has over 1000 Officers, which is more than in 2009, and I want to see those numbers grow over the next few years.
I send my best wishes to you all, and would ask you to work with all our fantastic emergency services in fighting crime and the scourge of coronavirus over the coming weeks.
Philip Seccombe TD
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner
3 Northgate Street
Warwick
CV34 4SP
Reception: 01926 412322
Direct Dial: 01926 736145
Extension: (73) 6145
