Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner Newsletter - Spring 2016

newsletter www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

SPRING 2016 | ISSUE 07

Theresa May opens Black Rock Quarry

WELCOME

New CSE support service

Tackling modern slavery

Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day

New Chief Starts Andy Marsh has started his new role as the next Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset, returning to the force he joined in 1987.

I want the police to continue to focus on tackling sexual and domestic violence, burglary, anti-social behaviour and putting victims first. These priorities are just as important to me now as they were over three years ago when I was first elected.

I am already pleased to see this year that a new domestic abuse law has come into effect which recognises controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. I’m also pleased to now be able to say that we’ll also be retaining our £1.8 million budget for victim services in Avon and Somerset.

There will inevitably still be other areas of focus within policing such as the 101 non-emergency number. Residents are still writing to me to say that they have experienced delays. At the end of last year I invested £25,000 of the PCC budget to maintain resources in the communications centre until April. I will shortly be reviewing the Constabulary’s action plan for the communications centre to make that local people are receiving the service they rightly expect.

Sue Mountstevens Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC)

Ms Mountstevens said: “Andy knows and understands the communities he serves.

His passion for Avon and Somerset, its people and its police force shows and I’m pleased that this has also been recognised by the Police and Crime Panel, who approved his appointment.

“As Chief Constable Andy has a clear grasp on both the challenges that today’s police service faces as well the opportunities it can bring through collaboration and stronger relationships with our partners. I look forward to working with him on delivering the policing priorities for the people of Avon and Somerset.”

Andy Marsh, previously the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, was put forward as the preferred candidate following a rigorous two-day interview process in December.

“Partnership with our communities and other service providers is an equally critical factor in successfully tackling crime, and increasingly so as the nature of that crime becomes more complex. Spending time with partner agencies and visiting communities across the force will be one of my early priorities.”

“I’m thrilled to be returning as Chief Constable to help build on the excellent work that’s taken place in the intervening period since I left.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “It’s a great privilege to be formally appointed as the next Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset.

The appointment was approved by the Police and Crime Panel. Panel Chair Cllr Nigel Ashton said: “The Panel was impressed by Mr Marsh both at the stakeholder event, as part of the interview process and at the lengthy confirmation hearing. The Panel noted his comprehensive, hands-on experience and believe he is an excellent appointment.”

“It’s been an honour to serve as the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary and I’m extremely proud of what we achieved together during my time there. Looking forward, I’m very excited at the prospect of working with the excellent officers, staff and volunteers of Avon and Somerset Constabulary. It’s the force I first joined in 1987.

Mr Marsh is an experienced chief officer who has held senior posts in Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. As well as being a former Area Commander of South Bristol and East Somerset he has operational and detective experience. He is also the national lead for a number of areas of policing including IT procurement and body-worn video cameras.

www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

YOUR P LICING POUNDS Where the money gets spent Police officers and staff £ 20 8.5 m

Avon and Somerset covers more than 1,855 square miles and is home to around 1.6 million people. There are over 5,000 police officers and staff working hard to keep you safe and to make sure that Avon and Somerset remains a safe place to live and work. Crime and the risk of crime is below the national average and public confidence in policing remains amongst the highest nationally.

From April your police service will cost you nearly 5p a week (for the average band D household) which is a rise of £3.48 per year on 2015/16 and is £178.26 a year.

There is a total budget of £276m to spend on policing in 2016/17 and the money is spent in the areas shown in the chart below.

Where does the money come from?

• Government funding which totals £178m

Running expenses £ 52.5 m

• M oney from residents in the policing part of the council tax which comes to £98m.

Police pensions £ 7m



Capital Funding £4

Community safety fund

Of fic e of the PC C

£ 2.6m

£ 1.4 m

Did you know that the PCC has recorded over 13,300 contacts from members of the public since November 2012?



Theresa May opens Black Rock Quarry The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has officially opened the new Black Rock Specialist Training Centre in Portishead.

Specialist firearms officers across Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire will all use the facilities which includes new training capabilities including a 100m firing range.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “I am delighted to open this training facility today.

This is another example of how good police forces are collaborating with one another to make savings, pool resources and deliver more efficient local policing.”

“It will help maintain the very high standards that we expect of our firearms officers and equip them with the skills they need to protect the communities they serve.”

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “It’s fantastic to finally be able to officially open this state-of-

the-art training facility needed now more than ever. It has been a long journey not without its difficulties, however today demonstrates our commitment to work closely with our neighbouring police forces of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire and our duty to keep our communities safe by providing specialist policing resources which are borderless, modern and better value for money.”

www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

New service supporting victims of Child Sexual Exploitation A pioneering new service working across Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon is identifying and supporting over a hundred young victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Since its launch in April 2014, the West of England CSE service has 15 dedicated support workers working with the 161 children it has identified. The project has also trained over 350 professionals who work with children to recognise and respond to the signs of CSE.

been funded by both Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioners, the local authorities, Barnardo’s and the Home Office Innovation Fund.

PCC Sue Mountstevens said: “Victims of CSE are extremely vulnerable and often they do not understand they have been exploited. Sexually exploited children suffer adverse consequences that blight their lives. Preventing their exploitation and responding quickly and effectively to stop exploitation will improve outcomes for vulnerable children and this partnership is helping with this vital work. By tackling the problem together with different agencies working even more closely in partnership with each other we can make a real difference.”

“By tackling the problem together . . . we can make a real difference.”

“This long term and consistent support is what children need to survive and recover from their experiences and this work is also helping the police to identify and aggressively go after the perpetrators. Expect to see more people appearing in court and being held to account for the sexual exploitation of vulnerable young people.”

“We will continue to work with local agencies to help these vulnerable children and young people, and to aid the prosecution of offenders.”

Barnardo’s regional assistant director Duncan Stanway said: “Child sexual exploitation is often a hidden crime, so we are grateful for the support of so many partners who are working together to identify and support the victims. We will continue to work with local agencies to help these vulnerable children and young people, and to aid the prosecution of offenders.”

The West of England CSE service is a collaboration of Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire Police, Barnardo’s and the seven local authorities covering the two police areas. It has

West of England CSE service lead Dave McCallum said: “There is complete determination across the West of England Who we are area to identify children most vulnerable to Key contacts being sexually exploited and help them to stay How we write safe. Hundreds of professionals have been How we speak – How toare speak Barnardo’s trained and dedicated support workers How we look now supporting 161 children at particularly – Our logo high risk and this number is rising. – Logo - variations

CSE is a form of child abuse in which victims are manipulated or forced into taking part in a sexual act often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation.

– Logo - exclusion zone and positioning

– Logo - things to avoid

Becky’s blog . . .

I started this week doing a round of welfare calls on behalf of two of my project workers who were on leave – what followed was an hour spent convincing a 14 year old to stay at his foster placement where he had just packed a bag to leave; getting another worker to drive an hour across Somerset to support a young person who had just been asked to go the police station to answer questions about an allegation of harassment made by an older male we knew had sexually exploited her; and a visit to a young girl and her mum to help them report a man who had messaged her on Facebook asking her to do ‘erotic modelling’ – while I was there she shared that her best friend had told her she had been sexually abused by her step dad.

– National logos – Fonts

This, sadly, is a normal day for my project – Primary colour palette – Secondary workers at the Barnardo’s BASE Project butcolour palette as I take time to reflect on it I cannot help to to avoid – Colour - things – Colour - examples be proud of the last nine months since the Partner branding West of England CSE Victim Identification Sub brands and Support Project was set up withThird the party logo use Photography support of PCC Sue Mountstevens.– Taking The your own children I spoke to lived across threeFilm local are or are highly likely to be being seriously Tools for you authority areas and up to 75 miles apart. sexually abused through exploitation.

– Stationery One of them only came to the notice of – Image library/templates With 14½ months left of the West of England Reg. Charity Nos. professionals when her friend who was funding we hope to continue to reach more FRSB information already working with us told her she needed children and work with our equally committed a BASE worker. partners in trying to see more prosecutions Every month we are seeing more and more and better outcomes for young people. young people being referred to us across Becky Lewis the whole of Avon and Somerset. Looking Children Services Manager, Avon and at today as a snapshot we are working with Somerset BASE Project over 150 young people who have been,

www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

Sue’s commitment to tackling modern slavery It is hard to imagine that in this day and age slavery still exists.

However, the sad truth is that it does. That is why it is more important than ever that we must continue to fight to eradicate human trafficking and exploitation for good.

In July 2015 I strongly welcomed the Modern Slavery Act, which was the first of its kind in Europe and specifically addresses slavery and trafficking in the 21st century.

Modern slavery sits under my priority of tackling domestic and sexual abuse which is published in my Police and Crime Plan, after local people told me that this was one of the things that mattered to them most.

No one has the right to control or abuse another person either physically or mentally and that is why I want the police to continue to focus on tackling this terrible crime. It’s also why I’m also strongly welcoming the

frontline organisations as well as providing assistance in identifying potential victims of trafficking, providing direct support to potential victims and assessing levels of modern slavery in the region.

Sue with Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland

In 2014, according to Home Office reports, it was suggested that there could be between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK alone. new domestic abuse law which recognises controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or family relationships.

Support for victims of modern slavery is also included as part of my wider plan for victims and I commissioned Unseen UK – www. unseen.org - to develop a one year modern slavery pilot in Avon and Somerset. The service is centred on delivering training to

At the end of last year, I was delighted to welcome Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland to Avon and Somerset to find out more about the work that’s taking place to tackle modern slavery in the South West.

It was great to be able to show Kevin, first-hand the commitment and dedication of the police, partners and my office in our continued efforts to put an end to this hidden crime.

More recently I joined my fellow PCC’s for the launch of a National Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Network in London. As well as feeling like we in Avon and Somerset have a lot to share with other PCC’s, I am equally keen to learn more about how my colleagues and their teams are working to tackle modern slavery across the country. However, no matter who we are or where we live, the message to offenders is clear – the exploitation of people will not be tolerated.

PCC Pride Awards Delivering an excellent service to a local Neighbourhood Watch, tackling male rape and ensuring our communities are safe was just some of the work acknowledged at Sue Mountstevens’ latest Pride Awards.

Amongst the winners was PC Mike Steven who was nominated for his work as the force lead on the ‘Police response to male rape and sexual assault’ campaign.

Lindsey Stone was nominated by resident Mr Geoff Matthews, for the excellent service and support she has provided Sue with PC Mike since he took Steven.

on a Neighbourhood Watch role in his local community.

Taunton Deane Borough Council’s Community Lead Cllr Jane Warmington, Director for Housing and Communities James Barrah, Assistant Director Simon Lewis, Anti-social Behaviour Officer John Hart and North Taunton One Team Coordinator Angela Bolitho were recognised for their roles in delivering the One Team project.

The PCC has also presented several Pride Award certificates to ‘silent stars of the community’ while on her weekly out and about community days. ‘Crime Fighter’ Bob Eastaugh received the award for his commitment to his previous role as a Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator in Keynsham for over six years.

Crime Prevention Locksmith Richard Read was also presented a Pride Award by the PCC for his work as a Bobby Van Carpenter, helping vulnerable people to stay safe in their homes for 15 years. The Bobby Van scheme has and continues to help thousands of people across Avon and Somerset by improving their security and reducing their chance of being burgled.

Sue with Bob Eastaugh.

Sue with Richard Reed.

www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day Young people from local schools took over the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the day as part of Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day.

Sue said: “My team and I were delighted to welcome five young people from local schools to find out more about my role as PCC and the work of my team.

Takeover Challenge is a national event led by the Children’s Commissioner for England which puts children and young people into decision-making roles. Organisations and businesses benefit as they gain a fresh insight into their work by listening to children’s ideas and experience.

Throughout the day, they got involved in activities which included meeting with Amy, my Youth Champion, taking part in a practical session with Young Victims’ Service and finding out more about Restorative Justice (RJ) with Helen, our RJ Development Manager. It’s important

BATH ENQUIRY OFFICE

NEWS IN BRIEF

A new police enquiry office has opened opposite the city’s old police station in Manvers Street. Open from 8am-8pm every day, the new facility will provide the same services currently offered at the old police station enquiry office including crime reporting, general enquiries, crime prevention advice, firearms applications, road traffic collision reporting and lost property.

Our pioneering integrated victim and witness care service ‘Lighthouse’ which aims to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system has seen more than 25,000 people benefit from specialist advice and support over the past year within Avon and Somerset.

The tailored support service is working to look after the most vulnerable, intimidated and persistently targeted victims of crime and anti-social behaviour.

NEW ROLE FOR POLICE TRAINING MOTORCYCLE TRANSPARENCY AWARD The Office of the PCC have been recognised for their commitment to conducting business transparently

by CoPaCC, an organisation which independently compares PCCs. Bernard Rix, Chief Executive of CoPaCC, travelled to Police Headquarters to present the PCC and the Office with a Transparency Quality Mark commendation.

The PCC presented a decommissioned, ex police training motorcycle to the Cheddar Valley branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists to provide slow speed training to motorcycle enthusiasts.

During 2015 there were 41 fatal or serious injury collisions involving motorcyclists resulting in 23 fatalities across Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Although they represent only 1% of total road traffic, motorcyclists account for 19% of all road user deaths.

to me that I make sure I am speaking and listening to young people from across Avon and Somerset about the issues which matter to them in relation to policing and crime.”

The day marked a week long schedule of activity for the PCC’s office who were also supporting the Children’s Commissioner #AdvicetoSelf social media campaign and who spent the week tweeting their lessons learned and advice they would give their younger selves.

The PCC and her team have subsequently been awarded a Gold Commendation

by Anne Longfield OBE, the Children’s Commissioner for England. The certificate is in recognition of the team’s plans to engage children and young people in the work of the Avon and Somerset Office of the PCC as part of Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge 2015-16.

Amy Hurst, Youth Champion for the Office of the PCC said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by the Up for the Challenge scheme. We’ve hosted Takeover events for the past three years now within the PCC’s office and each time, as a team, we’re always left feeling inspired by the young people we’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

To find out more about Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/ takeover-challenge

www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Policing Awards 2015 The next PCC election is due to take place on 5 May 2016.

PCCs are elected by the public for a period of four years, to oversee how crime is tackled in your police force area ensuring the policing needs of your community are met as effectively as possible.

Dedicated officers, police staff and volunteers who serve their communities and go that extra mile beyond the call of duty were celebrated at Neighbourhood Policing Awards 2015.

The awards, jointly hosted by PCC Sue Mountstevens and Avon and Somerset Constabulary, are to reward members of the police family for their hard work in ensuring the communities of Avon and Somerset are safe and feel safe.

Sue said: “These awards give us the opportunity 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.”

Temporary Chief Constable Gareth Morgan said: “I have read all the nominations and it’s a humbling experience to see what members of the public say. This is an occasion to remind ourselves of the great work done by men and women every day. It’s important we recognise it and be proud of what we do for the public.”

Local people are invited to submit nominations across eight categories before winners are chosen for each policing area; Bristol, the North East (covering South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset) and Somerset.

All the winners were invited to the ceremony to be presented with their certificates and hear the announcement of the overall winner in each category.

For information on candidates and who’s standing visit:

www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk This website is maintained by Bath and North East Somerset Council on behalf of the Police Area Returning Officer.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager of the Year

Special Constable of the Year

PC Kevin Stoodley

SC David Hayhurst

Police Community Support Officer of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

PCSO Leanne Edwards

BPA Volunteers

Outstanding Customer Service Award

Neighbourhood Beat Team of the Year

Insp Sharon Bennett

Frampton Cotterell

Volunteer Police Cadet of the Year

Public Recognition Award

Alex Masey

PC Paul Adams

To see more news and information on the awards as well as photos from the night visit www.neighbourhoodpolicingawards.co.uk The Neighbourhood Policing Awards are only possible thanks to the sponsorship and support from local and national businesses including The Bristol Post, Western Daily Press, Medlock Charitable Trust, Unison, First - West of England, AN: Event Services, Workhouse Marketing, Double Tree Hilton Cadbury House, Rolls-Royce, Deloitte, Nomura, SEA and Southwest One.

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