Times change but police priorities are still the same

The backdrop to the picture is filled with landmarks from across the county and truly represents the heart of Northamptonshire and the police officers and staff who protect the county.

I was extremely pleased to accept the portrait and it was a reminder that while the uniforms are so very different over the years the reason that our officers and staff are here remains the same; to safeguard our community, protect people from harm and bring offenders to justice.

I have spoken about the vocation of policing many times and I am extremely proud to be surrounded by officers who bring this to life for me everyday.

What does this mean for you as a member of the community?

Surveys tell us that you feel safer than ever before and that crime is the lowest for eight years.

However, each time a crime is committed an individual or family experience things which impacts their quality of life tremendously and it is this personal experience my colleagues and I are working to improve.

A history of targets for each and every type of crime has meant that officers have previously focused on achieving a number rather than providing a service; paperwork and bureaucracy has meant that officers felt they were unable to leave the office.

Since joining Northamptonshire Police I have made it my mission to remove this bureaucracy and once again allow front line officers and staff to be where they should

be – out in the community, protecting and helping wherever they are needed.

The people of Northamptonshire are already benefiting from this increase in presence around them and also the way in which officers can now deal with crimes and offenders.

When a person is a victim of crime or anti-social behaviour they do not always want to see the offender in court, community resolutions are just one way in which officers can work with both victim and offender to enable acknowledgment, apology and resolution.

Officers are now encouraged and supported in using their discretion

and professional judgement when dealing with incidents in order to resolve crime to the satisfaction of the victim, this way policing gets back to its roots.

Northamptonshire Police has had a good year – crime is down for the eighth year running and you, your family, friends and colleagues are significantly less likely to become a victim of the crime.

Burglary, robbery and car thefts as well as episodes of anti-social behaviour have reduced in their hundreds and we have seized significant amounts of drugs from across the county over the past year.

The Force has also had successes in fighting cyber, organised and hate crimes and

other less high profile issues however, for the victim, these can be extremely serious and I know my officers and staff contribute to the well-being and quality of life of people throughout the county.

Policing is changing and we are facing unprecedented financial challenges. I want to ensure that Northamptonshire Police are well prepared for the years ahead and so am refreshing the Force strategy in order that we can continue to reduce crime and antisocial

behaviour.

Our commitment to you is to provide great service and help you to live in a county which is a safe place to live, work and play in.

This week’s guest columnist is Northamptonshire Police chief constable Adrian Lee.