The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) undertakes a wide range of consultation to obtain the views of the people of Cleveland on policing, crime and community safety issues.
This ensures that priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan reflect the concerns of local communities. Activities focus on:
- Identifying victims’ needs to improve services
- Identifying key community concerns to help focus partnership activity
Consultation and Engagement methods
A range of methods are used to help make sure as many people as possible have the chance to comment on our services. Methods include:
The Victim Satisfaction Survey
This is an online and telephone survey with victims of certain types of crime including house burglary, hate crime, vehicle and violent crime. The survey aims to understand victims’ experiences better and to assist with improving services.
Face-to-face Public Meetings
The Police and Crime Commissioner attends community meetings across Cleveland as part of the Your Force, Your Voice programme. This helps him to understand the community safety concerns of all residents better.
Representation on local forums and meetings
A number of forums exist throughout Cleveland to discuss specific issues. These include the Tees Rural Crime Forum, which comprises members of the rural community and business owners, and the Strategic Independent Advisory Group, which gives the chance for representatives of diverse communities to offer strategic advice and guidance to the Police and OPCC.
Online surveys
Online surveys take place on key themes to find out the public’s views on particular service areas. Recent examples have included surveys on Neighbourhood Policing, Taser use and serious violence.
Community safety roadshows
The OPCC and Police Crime Prevention have stalls at a number of community events. Staff at events can offer information on crime prevention and support services. They also distribute surveys to the communityand can conduct face-to-face surveys.
Focus groups
Focus groups take place with specific community groups or on specific issues, such as victim experience of the criminal justice system.
Youth Engagement
We know young people are under-represented – particularly when it comes to sharing their views on crime, policing and community safety.
That’s why we’ve invested in the first Cleveland Youth Commission on Police and Crime and supportCleveland Police Cadets (which is run on behalf of Cleveland Police by Safer Communities.
Consultation and Engagement Strategy
The Consultation & Engagement Strategy sets out the framework for how the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will undertake public consultation.