Column | PCC Mark Shelford – 06/06/2023

I hope everyone enjoyed the most recent bank holiday weekend with friends and family and, most importantly, stayed safe.

Last Thursday marked the start of Volunteers Week, a special time to recognise and appreciate the incredible contributions of volunteers across the country. Having recently recruited 19 volunteers for our four independent panels, I understand the impact volunteering has on our community.

We are still actively recruiting dedicated individuals to join our Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) Scheme, who play a vital role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals in police custody. We are looking to recruit into our schemes at Bridgwater, Patchway and Keynsham custody suites.

If you have a strong sense of justice, a desire to make a positive impact, and the ability to commit some of your time, we invite you to be part of our team. Please email [email protected].

I was busy out and about around the region last week. My Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) Claire Hiscott and I attended the Royal Bath and West Show last Wednesday. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with our region’s rural communities and discuss their policing concerns.

As PCC, I am dedicated to working closely with these communities and implementing targeted strategies to address their specific needs.

In addition, last Friday was a productive and engaging day for me. I had the pleasure of meeting Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson of the Westfield Ward, where we had meaningful conversations with local residents about their concerns regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) in their area.

I heard first-hand accounts to understand the impact of ASB on individuals and communities. Rest assured, we are committed to working tirelessly to create safer neighbourhoods and ensure that our residents’ concerns and voices are heard and acted upon. Together, we can make a real difference in tackling ASB and fostering a sense of security and well-being for everyone in our community.

I also had the privilege of being on Radio Bath, engaging in an important conversation about the increasing issue of fraud. The discussion shed light on the various forms of fraud that affect our communities and the measures we must take to combat them effectively. It was also an opportunity to reflect on Operation Sceptre, a significant initiative to tackle knife crime and raise awareness about its devastating consequences.

Finally, I continue to encourage local organisations and community groups to apply for the Commissioner’s Crime Prevention Fund, set up by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation and Quartet Community Foundation.

This worthwhile funding aims to reduce anti-social behaviour through community projects and activities across the region, making our communities safe.

I would like to congratulate and thank all the local community groups and organisations previously awarded this fund. They have delivered some fantastic crime-reducing initiatives and activities.