Keeping our rural communities safer remains high on my agenda. Recently I have met with representatives of the Countryside Alliance, the Country Land and Business Association, and Members of both Houses of Parliament to hear national perspectives and discuss local opportunities.

Anja Kimberley, Head of Performance and Information, shows how evidence is at the heart of decision making in the Commissioner’s office.

The Police and Crime Commissioner sends a thank you to community volunteers across the Hampshire Constabulary policing area.

In recent weeks I have increasingly been highlighting the aspects of my work that go beyond policing, in particular my role in working with partners across the whole community safety and criminal justice system.

Local safety for everyone has increasing elements of international, national and regional input.  Risks are able to be initiated remotely and controlled remotely. But the impact is on individuals where they live, work or have their digital footprints. So our actions locally will always be an important component of our safety.

The members of Hampshire Constabulary turn up each day to keep us safer, bringing courage and professional skills to meet the challenges each day presents in often the most complex, stressful and physically demanding of circumstances.

I am aware of the concerns raised by some people and groups about this year’s policing budget, the costs of my office, and perhaps even my role and that of other Police and Crime Commissioners.

Yesterday I jointly hosted a Cyber Protect conference that focused on how we keep our young people safer while enabling them to make the most of technology and the digital world.

On Tuesday 19 December the Minister of State the Right Honourable Nick Hurd made his statement on police funding in the House of Commons. 

Keeping people SAFER in my area is currently underfunded when measured against community desires and expectations.  This applies across many parts of public service and has its versions in the public sector, supporting agencies, the third sector and from access to businesses in an affordable way for those who need commercial services.

I always welcome HMICFRS inspections for the value they bring independently testing the Constabulary and comparing best and good practice nationally.

Following a routine one-to-one update with the Chief Constable on topical issues it was good to engage with the senior force executive team of the Constabulary.

I am delighted that government (Sarah Newton Home Office Minister in parliament today) and HMICFRS (the report inspection of 10 forces not including Hampshire Constabulary) continue to make clear the priority that should be given for all of us to acknowledge the unacceptable presence of modern slavery in our communities.

Over the last 100 days, my focus has been on listening and taking action, where necessary and appropriate.