Hampshire’s top police boss has said anti-social behaviour and residents’ calls for increased police visibility are on her mind after being elected for a second term.
Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones has been sworn in after winning decisively last week, winning 70,000 more votes than her nearest rival.
After swearing her oath today (Wednesday) in Portsmouth Magistrates Court, Ms Jones has become the first PCC to be re-elected in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight .
Jones: A “tiring” campaign trail
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Jones said it was a “tiring” campaign trail, but noted key issues raised on doorsteps included anti-social behaviour plaguing neighbourhoods and residents’ calls for increased police visibility.
She also highlighted a notable rise in complaints regarding “large-scale car meets and racing” occurring across the county over the past 18 months.
Desire for 1,000 more police officers
She added that from 1st April 2024, some 75 police officers have been added to the force in addition to the 650 that have been recruited over the last three years.
She said,
“Both the chief constable and I want to get to 1,000 more police officers for two real reasons, firstly because the population of the county has increased over the last decade.
“Secondary because the complexity of crime has changed and that was expedited during Covid when a lot of organised crime gangs moved operations online through encrypted networks – we really do need specialist police officers working online.”
She said the election last week was a “difficult day for every Conservative politician”, but her majority has given her a “real purpose” for the next four years.
Police and Crime Plan
Her immediate focus is on drafting the Police and Crime Plan, outlining policing priorities for Chief Constable Scott Chilton.
She added “the most important thing” about the plan is the public consultation which is expected to commence in the coming weeks.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
