Businesses and residents are being asked for views on policing, crime and community safety in Hertfordshire.

They are being encouraged to share their views on future policing and crime prevention priorities by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Ash-Edwards.

All residents and those who work in the county are invited to shape the PCC’s new Police and Crime Plan which sets strategic priorities for Hertfordshire Constabulary on behalf of the public.

PCCs are legally required to set a Police & Crime Plan in their first year in office.

Mr Ash-Edwards wants to hear from a wide range of people on their thoughts and experiences on policing and crime in the county.

He said: “The Police & Crime Plan sets the strategic objectives for local policing, shapes how resources are allocated and which community safety initiatives are prioritised.

"I want to hear the views of Hertfordshire residents and businesses to ensure the plan reflects the county’s priorities.

“Since I was elected in May, I have been visiting communities across Hertfordshire and listening to as many people as possible.

"These conversations are vital for me to hear people’s views, ideas and feedback about crime and policing. My resident and business surveys will now allow me to hear the views of even more people.

“Your responses will be crucial in helping me understand community and business concerns and shape effective policing and crime prevention strategies for Hertfordshire. Please take the time to complete the survey, have your say, and help build a safer Hertfordshire.”

 

The online surveys have been launched to seek feedback on:

  • How safe you feel in your local community.
  • Your assessment of police performance.
  • Priorities for police resource allocation.

Residents and businesses can have their say at hertscommissioner.org/surveys/.

Commenting on the launch of the PCC’s business survey, Jeremy Bishop, chair of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and chair of the PCC’s Independent Business Advisory Group, said: “The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has engaged with myself and the business community over the years to support effective advocacy of the needs of business owners in Hertfordshire.

“This consultation gives us a chance to ensure we feed in our views about what we want police to prioritise locally.

"I encourage businesses across the county to engage with the business survey to ensure we support the Police & Crime Commissioner to set priorities in Hertfordshire to help businesses to flourish and keep them safe.”

The consultations will run for four weeks until October 27 and are open to anyone who lives, works or has a business in Hertfordshire.

Other formats of the surveys are available on request from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office by emailing your.views@herts-pcc.gov.uk or writing to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Harpenden Police Station, 13 Vaughan Road, Hertfordshire, AL5 4GZ or by calling 01707 806100.