"Big Conversation" on Police!

HUMBERSIDE POLICE AUTHORITY launched what they are calling their "Big Conversation" yesterday (21st September, 2010). The consultation exercise is an attempt to establish what really matters to local people when it comes to policing and is taking place within the context of impending cuts in expenditure on policing.

The Big Conversation is one part of the Police Authority’s planned programme of consultation and engagement with local people, which will include questionnaires, deliberations by its 6000-strong Citizens’ Panel, attendance at local meetings, focus groups and an interactive forum on its website.

The move is part of the Authority's response to the significant spending cuts called for by the Government. The cuts will bring about changes in the way that police services will be delivered. Views are now being sought from the public about what they want from their police force in the future.

The Chairman of Humberside Police Authority, Councillor Chris Matthews, explained in a press statement:

“There has been a raft of speculation about funding cuts across the public sector and that’s understandable. I want to put the record straight, explain to people what we have been doing to prepare for stringent cuts so that changes can be introduced through a structured, strategically managed and controlled process. To date, I feel there has been too much focus on the financial implications and not enough consideration on what matters most to our communities. 

The Authority remains totally committed to the provision of an outstanding police service, one that is affordable and meets the needs of local people. We will be able to allocate funding to the Chief Constable in a more meaningful way if local people join in our conversation.”

An online survey is available which invites opinions on statements about policing, including views on police patrols, Police Community Support Officers, and on preferred ways to access the police i.e. via police stations, post, telephone, text message or e-mail.

To contribute your views you can access the online survey via the Police Authority website. You can also join in one of the internet ‘Big Conversations’ taking place and post questions to Police Authority members. 

The first 'Big Conversation' is scheduled to take place with Councillor Christopher Matthews, Police Authority Chairman, over the internet on Monday 27th September 2010 from 4pm - 8pm.

Links on HU12: More background articles.