Monday 31 March 2008 - HPA 255

POLICING PRIORITIES FOR A SAFER COUNTY IN 2008-2011

“Hertfordshire is a safe county and we want to make it even safer” was the message given by Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, the Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority today (Monday) as he launched the new Policing Plan for 2008–2011.

The Plan sets out the key priorities and objectives for Hertfordshire police for the next three years.

“Crime continues to go down in the county and our police force performs well and delivers good results,” said Ian. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels for a single minute.

“There are many challenges ahead - demands on services will increase further and we expect resources to become even more squeezed. It is important, therefore that we face the sometimes difficult choices and be perfectly clear about what the Authority expects the Constabulary to prioritise. In making our decisions, we listened to what the public and our partners have said is most important to them and took account of those areas where police performance needs improving, such as protecting vulnerable people”.

The Plan was launched at the Fielder Centre, Hatfield, at an event attended by over 200 delegates, including the High Sheriff, MPs and local authority Chairs, Mayors and Chief Executives.

The top line priorities highlighted included:

	Reducing the most serious violent, organised and acquisitive crimes;
	Protecting vulnerable people, including victims of sexual offences;
	Bringing more serious offenders to justice;
	Improving public confidence and satisfaction in police services;
	Increasing people’s feelings of safety;
	Reducing anti-social behaviour, including alcohol-related disorder.

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: “I am proud of the achievements made by my staff over the last 12 months in helping to make Hertfordshire an even safer place to live, work and socialise. I believe the Police Authority plan gives a firm basis to further improve our services to the public of Hertfordshire in the coming year”

Herts Beat 2007
Central Area

Herts Beat 2007
Western Area