Annual Report shows progress on public’s priorities

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has released his latest Annual Report, detailing developments in policing the county from April 2021 to the end of March 2022.

Police and Crime Commissioners must publish an Annual Report explaining how the public’s priorities, which are outlined in the Police and Crime Plan, are being achieved. More officers, investment in key areas and millions in extra funding are just some of the areas highlighted in the report.

The report also covers the record levels of engagement the Commissioner has had, including hearing from 19,000 people via his 2021 Autumn Survey and thousands more through other surveys, consultations and public meetings over the course of the year.

A constant theme in residents’ feedback is the desire for more Police Officers. The 2021-22 Annual Report reveals that Cheshire Constabulary hired an additional 90 officers in this period and is on track to have the highest number since the 1970s.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire said:

“Having already lost a year of this term due to the delayed election I knew it was even more important to hit the ground running and my latest Annual Report shows the progress we’ve made.

“The public want more officers, an efficient police service and a relentless focus on the issues that affect their communities day-to-day, and that’s exactly what I’m working to deliver.”

Major investments made in 2021/22 included more funding for the Force Control Centre (FCC), which proved successful in helping to reduce 101 call waiting times. There was also continued support for victim services such as Cheshire CARES (Cope and Enhanced Recovery Service), which handled 70,219 referrals – Over 4,000 more compared to the previous year.

£4 million was also secured by the Commissioner on top of the ordinary police budget, including a successful bid for £1.1 million – the joint-highest award in the country – for Safer Streets projects. £300,000 was also secured for GoodSAM live video streaming technology which is now in use in the FCC. This has revolutionised the way police respond to incidents by allowing situations to be properly assessed from afar and has also helped to rescue victims of modern slavery.

John Dwyer added:

“The progress we made in 2021/22 means we have a solid platform to build on for the next year and that work is well under way.

“I know there is always more to do, and that the public expect continued improvements in the service they receive.

“I’m going to remain focused on delivering the Police and Crime Plan, increasing our Officer numbers, improving the 101 service and securing every bit of extra funding I can to make Cheshire even safer.

To read the 2021/22 Annual Report, visit: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/police-and-crime-plan/

Pictured - Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer.