newsletter www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
DECEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 04
Lighthouse Victim and Witness Care
AVON AND SOMERSET
RESTORATIVE PARTNERSHIP Shaping the future of Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice
Public Flooding Meeting
New Stop and Search Pledges
Delivering best practice Restorative Justice to meet the needs of the victims we support. Making things right instead of being resigned to what has gone wrong.
WELCOME
Welcome to the fourth edition of my newsletter. As 2014 comes to an end and we begin the new year, it is incredible to see how much has been achieved, while remaining firmly focused on how much there is still to do. Being victim focused and ensuring that victims are very much at the forefront of what we do continues to be the priority. The launch of the Lighthouse integrated victim and witness care programme ensures that victims who are vulnerable, intimidated and/or persistently targeted receive the tailored support they need. In highlighting restorative justice we are working to put the victim back in control by helping them to meet their offender, talk about their experience and and bring closure to their ordeal. The implementation of Community Remedy and pledges made by the Constabulary in relation to stop and search are both working examples of ensuring that local people are very much involved with local policing. I continue to proudly represent you as your voice in local policing and hope that you will continue to tell me what you want from your police service.
Sue Mountstevens Police & Crime Commissioner
2014 Neighbourhood Policing Awards Men and women who serve their communities, going above and beyond the call of duty, were celebrated as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Awards 2014. The awards are organised jointly by Sue Mountstevens and Avon and Somerset Police and reward dedicated officers, staff and volunteers for their hard work in ensuring the communities of Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe.
The evening was compered by Mike Norton, Editor of the Bristol Post. Towards the end of the night came the announcement of the overall winners for Avon and Somerset in their categories:
Sue said: “These awards are a chance for us to celebrate some of the most inspirational, selfless and dedicated people working in our communities. It’s particularly special for me because the nominations come from members of the public – residents who have taken the time to write in with compliments about the fantastic work of all our winners. To all of our winners this year I say well done.”
Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year - PC Natalie Draper
Earlier this year, members of the public were invited to nominate police officers, staff and volunteers who had gone above and beyond the call of duty, shown commitment or dedication or made a difference in their community. Across seven categories, winners were chosen for each policing area.
Outstanding Customer Service Award - Response Sergeant, Wells
Police Community Support Officer of the Year - PCSO Ian Taylor Special Constable of the Year - Ryan Cox Public Recognition Award - PC James Diffey
Volunteer of the Year - Michael Rich Neighbourhood Beat Team of the Year - Taunton Halcon One Team
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
MAKING POLICING AS OPEN AND TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE
Extra special PCC’s Pride Awards Inspiring local people recognised at Sue Mountstevens’ PCC Pride Awards were joined by three young people taking part in Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day, at an extra special ceremony at police headquarters on Friday, November 21.
Volunteers that make up Sue Mountstevens’ Independent Residents Panel marked the one year anniversary of the initiative. The innovative scheme was introduced by Sue as part of her pledge to make policing as open and transparent as possible, enabling local people to scrutinise various aspects of policing. The Panel, who meet at least quarterly, look at various issues before producing a report of their findings and submitting it to Sue. We looking for three more volunteers to join us – if you’re interested please call Kate Watson on 01275 816825 or visit our website to find out more. Applications close on January 16, 2015.
BRIGHT OUTLOOK
stories “If only people could hear half of the that that people tell me, I have no doubt I feel. it would make them feel as proud as The awards saw 10 unsung heroes of the community awarded for a multitude of efforts including tackling hate crime, facilitating Community Speedwatch and Neighbourhood Watch groups and setting an inspiring example to young people.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Award winners were joined by three young people from South Gloucestershire, who spent the day shadowing Ms Mountstevens as part of the national takeover day, which invites young people into organisations to experience the world of work. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Sue Mountstevens said: “If only people could hear half of the stories that people tell me, I have no doubt that it would make them feel as proud as I feel. It is important for us all to take a moment to reflect on what has been achieved and when you do it is incredibly heart-warming. “These awards were particularly special as not only do they mark my two year anniversary but today is also Children’s Commissioners Takeover Day and I was pleased to welcome young people to spend the day finding out more about my role.” Young People in Bristol have been celebrating their achievements on a new diversionary scheme funded by Sue Mountstevens. The Bright Outlook programme aims to give young people a taste of life behind bars or a visit to custody, in a bid to change their views and steer them away from crime and anti-social behaviour. The pilot received £48,000 funding from Sue.
If you would like to find out more about the winners or nominate someone for a PCC’s Pride Awards visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
Avon and Som
Lighthouse Victim and Witness Care
im at the heart of everyth ing we do
A brand-new service offering increased support to the victims who need it most has been launched across Avon and Somerset. Victims who are vulnerable, intimidated, persistently targeted or experience serious crime will be offered practical and emotional support and guided through the criminal justice process by specially-trained staff. The service, called Lighthouse, has teams made up of both police staff and independent support workers and volunteers.
Baroness Newlove attended Bristol’s Lighthouse office, speaking to senior officers and meeting the team. Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove said: “I am delighted to attend the launch of Avon and Somerset’s Victim Care Lighthouse. It is very encouraging to see Sue Mountstevens and her team working hard to place victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. “I have been calling for victims of crime to be given one person to stay in contact with them, provide advice, and support them throughout their journey and beyond. Which is why I very much welcome the steps taken by Avon and Somerset to deliver this and I wish them well with their project in the coming months.”
The new service will also provide support to victims of anti-social behaviour and will be available to victims of crime who don’t want to report their experience to the police. The service was visited by Victim’s Commissioner Baroness Newlove, a tireless campaigner for victims since the tragic death of her husband Garry in 2007.
The new service helps realise Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens’ commitment to put the victim at the heart of the criminal justice system. Last year, work began to understand better the journey victims take and found that while a lot of good work was happening there were some gaps in the service. As part of a wider Integrated Victim Care programme, Avon and Somerset Police worked closely with partners to design and implement the new multi-agency teams.
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ained “The programme has rem ng true to the vision of putti those victims first and helping ut most vulnerable througho their recovery… Speaking at the launch, Sue Mountstevens said: “Lighthouse has come a long way since it was originally talked about. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved and the hard work that has been involved in getting to this point, the launch of our new service. “The programme has remained true to the vision of putting victims first and helping those most vulnerable throughout their recovery. We have a chance to make a real difference and I feel Lighthouse can deliver this for victims.”
You can find out more about Lighthouse Victim Care by visiting www.lighthousevictimcare.org
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
Restorative Justice Putting victims at the heart of the Criminal Justice System is one of Sue Mountstevens’ priorities in the Police and Crime Plan and Avon and Somerset are fortunate to have many fantastic people providing victim services. However there is always more that can be done to support victims in their journey to recovery. One of these ways is restorative justice. Restorative justice is the process which encourages a dialogue between victims, offenders, and communities to resolve crime in a way that leaves everyone in a better place. In Avon and Somerset the vision is to give victims of crime and anti-social behaviour the chance to explain to offenders the real impact of an incident and to have the opportunity to get answers to their questions. For some it is the chance to hear an apology. Sue Mountstevens said: “It has always been my vision to develop access to restorative justice at every stage of the criminal justice process. I support any measure that allows the voice of victims to be heard, helping them to reach closure that cannot be found in sentencing alone.”
AVON AND SOMERSET
RESTORATIVE PARTNERSHIP Shaping the future of Restorative Justice
Delivering best practice Restorative Justice to meet the needs of the victims we support. Making things right instead of being resigned to what has gone wrong.
Both Sue Mountstevens and Avon and Somerset police have made a commitment to develop restorative justice and put victims of crime and anti-social behaviour first.
Community Remedy Victims of low level crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) will now have a choice of how those responsible will make amends for their actions following the launch of Community Remedy. Community Remedy, developed by the Home Office which forms part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, is typically used when dealing with low level crime e.g. low level criminal damage, low value theft, minor assaults and ASB. Earlier this year, Sue Mountstevens asked local people for their views about how people who commit low level crime and ASB are dealt with. Speaking at the time Sue said: “The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act provides a unique opportunity to introduce a more locally-driven and victim-centred approach. It will also make offenders consider their actions by making them payback directly to those who they have offended against. It is important that the options offered in Avon and Somerset reflects the views of the community.” Where appropriate victims of low level crime and ASB will now have the choice of the following remedies: Mediation, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABC), Restorative
Justice, Parenting Contracts, Reparation, Structured Activity and Neighbourhood Community Agreements.
A word from Helen As Restorative Justice Development Manager I support the PCC’s vision to make restorative justice accessible to victims at every stage of the criminal justice process. People across Avon and Somerset are affected by crime on a daily basis. For some knowing that the person who has caused them harm has been punished is enough, for others the criminal justice service cannot bring closure. Restorative justice gives victims a voice so they can express the hurt that has affected them and their community. I am working with the PCC to develop a restorative justice service in Avon and Somerset with a multi-agency approach, working closely with the Constabulary and partner organisations for a joinedup approach. Time and effort are important investments for the success of the development and restorative justice is a learning process that seeks to bring people together who are willing to work towards common goals. Restorative justice requires vision and clarity of goals and as I assist the implementation of a new service model it is necessary to adopt a new way of thinking about how we work collaboratively. In developing a restorative justice approach and presenting a vision for the future I can ensure a commitment to including people, to open communications, and to be open in our need to do things differently.
Helen Rosenthal Restorative Justice Development Manager
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
Public Flooding Meeting Over 200 local people attended a public meeting which saw agencies present their flood response plans to local communities. Last winter brought significant flooding across the Somerset Levels which left many residents severely affected and many properties devastated. Last winter a major incident was declared following flooding in Somerset and was in place for almost three months. Having visited the floods and spoken to local residents Sue Mountstevens wrote to the key agencies involved and suggested a public meeting to give local people an opportunity to hear about the latest plans should flooding happen again. The event brought together key agencies and the voluntary sector to describe joint plans in place should flooding happen
anywhere in Somerset in the future. Following an opening by Sue Mountstevens and Somerset County Council leader Cllr John Osman, presentations were given by the Environment Agency, Somerset County Council, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue and Avon and Somerset police. Somerset Waste Partnership, BARB Search and Rescue and other voluntary representatives were amongst those with stalls taking questions afterwards.
National commitment to FGM Ending female genital mutilation (FGM) was the focus of a national conference ‘Sharing Good Practice to End FGM’ attended by professionals from all over the country and held in Bristol. Representatives from health, social care, police, and local community groups came together for the one day conference to share their experiences and expertise in relation to tackling female genital mutilation. Sue Mountstevens and force lead for FGM Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Leanne Pook were invited to address attendees on the day.
without the police we le cannot tackle this terrib crime, but working together we can put an end to FGM.”
During her afternoon address, Sue said: “As PCC, I have set tackling domestic and sexual abuse as a priority in Avon and Somerset and an important part of that is tackling FGM. “One thing that is clear is that none of us can fight FGM on our own, without health, without education, without the community and without the police we cannot tackle this terrible crime, but working together we can put an end to FGM.”
Sue said: “I felt it important to host this meeting so that residents know what to expect if flooding affects their community this winner.”
Your Tweets FLAG @dredgetherivers - 20h Great job @AandSPCC with flood response community meeting tweets! #KeepItUp @SomersetCouncil @EnvAgencySW @JDOsman1
Roger Griffith @rogerg44 - Sept 1 One of our best shows. Musical theme Law & Order great features top interview wit @SuMountstevens @ASPolice link here listenagain. ujimaradio.com/index.php?id=1....
Adrian Prior-Sankey @PriorSankey - Oct 30 @AandSPCC @SuMountstevens Thanks for your kind words about #street pastors yesterday
Stephen Williams MP @swilliamsmp - 14 hrs Congrats to all the winners of Avon & Somerset Police @aspolice neighbourhood policing awards 2014
www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
KEY DATES JANUARY 13th B&NES Independent Advisory Group (IAG) 13th Linden Club, Clevedon 14th Community Day 19th Winscombe U3A 21st South West Regional PCCs 22nd Parkwall, Oldland Common Safer and Stronger Group 29th Wellington Town Council
FEBRUARY 5th PCC Police Public Forum (pm) Bath and North-East Somerset 11th Wrington Vale Rotary Club 12th Police and Crime Panel Clevedon 29th Community Day
MARCH 5th Community Day 11th Police and Crime Panel Clevedon 12th Community Day 17th South Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Board 18th South West Regional PCCs 18th Weston-super-Mare Civic Society 24th Community Day 26th PCC Police Public Forum (pm) North Somerset 28th Young Heroes Awards
APRIL 7th – Yeovil Town Council 8th – Bristol Clifton Rotary Group 14th – Community Day 22nd – Clevedon Yeo Rotary 28th – Community Day 29th – North Somerset IAG To find out when PCC Sue Mountstevens will be in your area please visit the Events Calendar on our website www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
New Stop and Search Pledges New pledges by Avon and Somerset Police to improve its use of the power of stop and search have been welcomed by Sue Mountstevens. Avon and Somerset Police has announced it’s changing the way it approaches stop and search by having open and transparent conversations with the community across the Avon and Somerset area. The Constabulary pledged to improve recording, be more transparent with figures and to explore using bodycams to record stop and search.
It’s crucial that stop and search is done properly to help build trust and confidence in the police…
Avon and Somerset Police pledges include:
• Ensuring every stop and search is carried out in compliance with the College of Policing Code of Ethics
• Taking action to reduce the number and increase the quality of stop and search
• Coordinating action into a strategy for continued improvement
• Involving the community in stop and search training
• Reconvening the stop and search summit in six months to review progress
• Using community feedback better
Sue said: “Stop and search is an issue people often raise with me and I know what an emotive subject it is. It’s crucial that stop and search is done properly to help build trust and confidence in the police and strengthen the bond between the police and community.”
• Reviewing and refreshing the best way to inform individuals of their rights if stopped and searched • Exploring the possibility of recording stop and search on video
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Valley Road, Portishead Bristol BS20 8JJ
AANDSPCC SUE MOUNTSTEVENS
avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk
@AANDSPCC @SUMOUNTSTEVENS
Call 01275 816377 You can also email the PCC at pcc@avonandsomerset.pnn.police.uk