Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has added his praise for the police, health care agencies and other emergency services who are working alongside public health officials and local authorities to respond to the current coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “While the current situation is unprecedented, I know there is a resolve among all of the agencies across Warwickshire to do absolutely everything they can to keep people safe and support communities through this crisis.
“Warwickshire has always proved itself to be resilient and I am convinced that while there are undoubtedly difficult times ahead, we will continue to see the strong partnership working that Warwickshire is famed for, bringing communities together to help each other throughout these challenging circumstances.
“I have been keeping in regular touch with the Chief Constable and senior officers at Warwickshire Police and I can reassure the public that the force are working well with all of the other agencies to co-ordinate their response to the coronavirus pandemic, again with that core focus on keeping all parts of the community safe, especially those who are most vulnerable.
“I have every confidence that by working together, Warwickshire can rise to the challenges that lie ahead, whatever they ultimately may be.
“My office is also continuing to keep in close contact with the many organisations we fund through grants and our commissioned services for victims, who have all adapted well to the current restrictions, with staff in many cases working from home to continue to offer vital support online and over the telephone to those who need it.
“At a time when we may all feel some sense of isolation and vulnerability, it is critically important that they are in a position continue to offer help and support where it is needed and my office will do it all it can to ensure the organisations we fund can continue to work effectively both now and after we have come through this very difficult period.”
Meanwhile, the deadline for completing a survey on the future direction of policing and criminal justice in Warwickshire has been extended indefinitely in light of the outbreak. Due originally to finish today (20 March) the Public Priorities Survey – which is being organised jointly by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Warwickshire Police – will now remain open for the foreseeable future, with a final deadline to be determined later in the year.
The survey seeks to understand public opinion on policing and criminal justice matters, which will provide even more valuable feedback once the current crisis has abated and as future planning takes place to shape Warwickshire Police and community safety over the years to come.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said: “The consultation had been due to close this week but we understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone and filling in such a survey will quite rightly not be people’s priority right now. However, it still remains important that in time we hear from as many Warwickshire residents as possible to get their feedback on priorities around crime and policing. This will help us to plan for the future and shape services in line with public expectations, so we want to leave the survey open for those that do wish to complete it.
“We will look at our options to further publicise the survey later in the year once the situation in the community has returned to normal.”
The survey will remain online in the interim at www.warwickshire-pcc.gov.uk – just click the link from the home page.
