Plans for Humberside Police over the next four years

HUMBERSIDE POLICE AUTHORITY have announced the plans for future policing and declared that becoming more responsive is a key priority with a commitment to answer 999 calls more effectively.

The Police Authority met on Tuesday 22nd March to set the Policing Plan and priorities up until 2015. In setting out its priorities the Authority says it has taken into consideration the views of over 4,000 residents that took part in its "BIG Conversation" consultation last year.

Strategic Aim number One is to improve local trust, confidence and overall satisfaction. This includes improving responsiveness with police being there when needed and continuing to answer calls effectively.

On answering 999 calls, Councillor Chris Mathews, Chair of the Police Authority, had this to say:

“The public told us their top priority is responsiveness – you want the police to be there when you need them and to deal with your call effectively when you dial 999. The Members have taken that on board and as part of the aim to improve trust, confidence and satisfaction we have agreed a priority is to continue to answer those calls effectively. Members recognise there has been a phenomenal improvement with call handling by Humberside Police over the past few years, and that should not go unacknowledged. The Force currently answer 97 out of 100 999 calls within 10 seconds and we intend for this to continue.”

Persistent offenders will be targeted under the plan and dealt with in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and the minor crimes that blight the lives of local communities.  These individuals will become the focus  of schemes using community input and resolutions, such as community payback, so that local people can see the results of effective policing and partnership working with other agencies.

Other priorities within the plan include maintaining a focus on hate crime and domestic violence and working to prevent rises in serious acquisitive crime by reducing household burglary offences.

The Police Authority announced in February that 242 jobs would be lost at Humberside Police as part of a £30m cuts package over the next 5 years. The Policing Plan agreed on Tuesday takes into account what the Authority described as a "harsh financial position".

To view the local priorities visit www.humberside-pa.org.uk. The full Policing Plan will be available from 31st March 2011.