Fight Against Crime - Now Have Your Say

Date published: 23 March 2004

People power is helping shape the future of Greater Manchester Police as the region has its say on ways of tackling crime.

The new Home Office questionnaire - Building Safer Communities - is now seeking people's views on everything from local policing to improving standards of service and ideas on neighbourhood projects and ways of strengthening police accountability and possible re-structuring of the existing 43 forces in England and Wales.

Greater Manchester Police were among the first to pilot the document in a consultation which sought the views of over 10,000 people in the county. They included Greater Manchester councillors, emergency services, probation officers, and members of Homewatch schemes.

Regional Home Office crime director David Smith said: "The questionnaire targets the issues which really affect people. We have achieved remarkable success in addressing problems. But there is still a lot of work to be done in the region and we want to be sure that we are getting things right.

"Here in the north-west, we want to encourage a style of policing which is even more responsive to the needs of local communities and create a modernised service which will deliver the results which people are looking for. That's why we want to hear people's views on the issues which really matter to them. By responding to this questionnaire, you can help shape the future of your police across the entire region."

The results of the GMP survey showed that:

• 89 per cent want more officers on the beat
• 87 per cent wanted more information on police activity
• 73 per cent want Special Constables to work within their own communities
• 68 per cent want police to get more involved in community group
• 70 per cent say there should be more information and support for the public
• 75 per cent said local police chiefs should have more say in deploying services and making decisions

There was also significant support for the idea of a new police non-emergency number and independent "Community Advocates" working with police on behalf of residents' groups.

The Home Office questionnaire is now out for public consultation.

Responses are required by 5 April 2004 and can be easily and quickly sent to the Home Office either via the website - www.policereform.gov.uk/consultation - or using the freepost answer sheet at the back of the questionnaire.

To obtain copies of the questionnaire and brochure:
Tel: 0870 241 4680
Fax: 0870 241 4786
Email: homeoffice@prolog.uk.com
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