News relating to West Yorkshire Police Crime Commissioner http://westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/rss.xml 2013-05-15T10:52:57 2013-05-22T00:00:00+01:00 Police and Crime Commissioner Announces "Root and Branch Review" of Police Complaints West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has today launched an independent review into the way police complaints and conduct are currently handled. The review, which has implications for the way police forces' across the country will investigate complaints, will be led by Catherine Crawford, former Chief Executive of the London Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime. Following a meeting with Catherine Crawford this morning, Mark Burns-Williamson said: "With the support of the Chief Constable and the Chief Executive of the PCC, I have agreed a root and branch review of the complaints procedure and this will be led by Catherine with her considerable experience and expertise in this area of work.  "The reason behind this review forms part of my work to ensure West Yorkshire Police delivers the best possible service to the people of the county.  If we get things wrong I want to make sure we acknowledge our mistakes at the earliest opportunity and learn from them as we move forward.  Equally, I want officers and staff to know they have a fair and transparent framework behind them, so they can execute their demanding roles without fear of unreasonable or frivolous claims being made against them. "I have asked Catherine to conduct this review as her wealth of experience and independent view is critically important  when assessing police conduct and I believe her findings will contribute to further improvements in the way the Force operates."  Catherine Crawford said: "I am very pleased to have been asked to help Mark Burns-Williamson conduct a root and branch review of the way police conduct matters and complaints are dealt with by West Yorkshire Police and how this might be done better in the future."  "The public must have trust and confidence in the standards set for policing and the processes for investigation if these appear to have been breached. Officers and staff must also have confidence that they will be dealt with fairly if they are the subject of complaints or allegations. The communities of West Yorkshire need to trust the systems in place and know that the police are serving them with integrity."  "I will now be in discussion with Mark to set the terms of reference for the review and look forward to getting started with scoping what works well but also looking at options for what could work better, consulting with the Force, with other partners and presenting my findings to Mark."   /news/current/police-and-crime-commissioner-announces-root-and-branch-review-of-police-complaints-(15-may-2013).aspx /news/current/police-and-crime-commissioner-announces-root-and-branch-review-of-police-complaints-(15-may-2013).aspx 2013-05-15T10:52:57 West Yorkshire Police has today published a report requested by West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, putting into the public domain the results of the investigation Operation Newgreen into what was known about Savile's offending, any West Yorkshire records relating to him and any contact with individual employees or the force as a whole. Mark Burns-Williamson has said: "I have been clear since evidence of Savile's crimes first came to light that victims must come first and that West Yorkshire Police Service's primary concern needs to be for the victims who have already come forward but also for those who may still be out there and are yet to report what happened to them to the police. "I called for this public facing report to make sure all the information held by West Yorkshire Police relating to Savile is in the public domain and it is right that all people in West Yorkshire, and across the country, have the full details of Savile's interaction with the Force and have improved confidence in the police to protect the public and put matters right. "This report will hopefully answer some of the many questions that people may have but it is also clear that there are serious issues arising from the report and concerns that need to be addressed. West Yorkshire Police has acknowledged that this is the case and it is right and proper that the IPCC conducts further independent investigations. "I will now be discussing with the new Chief Constable the lessons that need to be learnt and to make sure that the recommended actions are implemented, including the new arrangements for dealing with high profile individuals and serious work to understand better why victims did not come forward at the time when Savile was alive. "I hope that the publication of this report and the actions that will now ensue will serve to provide all the victims of Savile with greater trust and confidence in the West Yorkshire Police Service and I would urge anyone who has not come forward to do so by calling the police." /news/current/response-to-west-yorkshire-police-report-on-savile-(10-may-2013).aspx /news/current/response-to-west-yorkshire-police-report-on-savile-(10-may-2013).aspx 2013-05-10T12:36:03 Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, is to hold a surgery in Otley on Friday, 17 May, 2013. The surgery will be held at the Otley Core Resource Centre on Orchard Gate between 3.00pm and 5.30pm. Anyone wanting to raise issues will be able to request a 15 minute appointment to discuss them with the Police and Crime Commissioner. Mark said: "Engaging with people is important so that I can understand the needs and concerns of people in West Yorkshire and then focus on addressing them. I have a number of ways of doing this such as visiting each Neighbourhood Police Team area, and surgeries are the latest method to be launched. "If you have any concerns or problems regarding policing and crime matters that you would like to discuss with me, please contact my office to request an appointment." To request an appointment, please telephone the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on (01924) 294000 or e-mail contact@westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk. /news/current/commissioner-to-hold-surgery-in-otley-(7-may-2013).aspx /news/current/commissioner-to-hold-surgery-in-otley-(7-may-2013).aspx 2013-05-07T10:50:57 Crime plummeted across West Yorkshire last year with latest figures showing a ten per cent reduction in offences. There were 18,258 fewer crime victims last year, according to the figures up to the end of December 2012. The number of crimes recorded across the county fell to 168,982 . House burglaries fell by more than a quarter to 13,292 - a reduction of 28 per cent. The figures also show: ·       Violent crime down by 9 per cent ·       Car crime reduced by 11 per cent   ·       Criminal damage down by 12 per cent ·       Robbery reduced by 16 per cent The performance in West Yorkshire betters the national performance which shows total crime down by eight per cent in England and Wales. Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: "Fewer people were victims of crime in West Yorkshire last year. This is good news and down to the hard work of the police service and its partners who have risen to the challenge of continuing to make people safer at a time when they have sustained massive cuts in funding from the government. "I have spent my first months in office listening to West Yorkshire's residents and as a result have clearly set out my priorities to tackle crime in my first Police and Crime Plan. "I have made commitments to make a difference in tackling all forms of crime. The target I have set on burglary for the coming five years is clear, and I am confident that compared to other comparable parts of the country that by working together with partners will do even better in cutting burglary compared to forces who are facing the same scale of challenges as the ones we have here in West Yorkshire." West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Mark Gilmore said: "These latest results demonstrate the remarkable job being done by our officers, staff and partners every day to keep our communities safe. "Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams remain at the heart of our local communities, working with partners to solve any problems supported by staff who are not visible to the public but are crucial in keeping our communities safe. "The reductions in burglary are particularly welcome as we have put a lot of effort into tackling this crime which has a major impact on victims. We will continue to do so in line with the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan." /news/current/fewer-crime-victims-in-west-yorkshire-(25-apr-2013).aspx /news/current/fewer-crime-victims-in-west-yorkshire-(25-apr-2013).aspx 2013-04-25T11:40:40 Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, is to hold a surgery in Batley on Friday, 19 April, 2013. The surgery will be held at the Batley Resource Centre on Commercial Street between 3.00pm and 5.30pm. Anyone wanting to raise issues will be able to request a 15 minute appointment to discuss them with the Commissioner. Mark said: "Engaging with people is important so that I can understand the needs and concerns of people in West Yorkshire and then focus on addressing them. I have a number of ways of doing this such as visiting each Neighbourhood Police Team area, and surgeries are the latest method to be launched. "If you have any concerns or problems regarding policing and crime matters that you would like to discuss with me, please contact my office to request an appointment." To request an appointment, please telephone the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on (01924) 294000 or e-mail contact@westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk. /news/current/commissioner-to-hold-surgery-in-batley-(4-apr-2013).aspx /news/current/commissioner-to-hold-surgery-in-batley-(4-apr-2013).aspx 2013-04-04T13:44:48 West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, said: "The West Yorkshire Police Authority referred Sir Norman's conduct to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on 9 October 2012, concerning his alleged attempt to influence the Authority's decision making in the days following the publication of the Hillsborough Report. "I have provided evidence, along with the Chief Executive of the former Police Authority to this investigation and the findings of the IPCC are set out clearly in the report published today. "This is a difficult time for the victims and families of the Hillsborough disaster, who rightly want to see justice done and those responsible for the tragic events held to account. "However, there is a much wider ongoing IPCC investigation into other matters arising from the Hillsborough Report and it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this matter at this stage to avoid prejudicing the final report and outcome. "As your Police and Crime Commissioner I will do everything I can to ensure that the people of West Yorkshire continue to have the trust and confidence in their police force that they rightly expect and deserve and, as I have announced, I will be launching an independent review into police complaints and conduct." /news/current/comment-from-the-police-and-crime-commissioner-following-the-publication-of-the-ipcc-report-into-the-conduct-of-sir-norman-bettison-(28-march-2013).aspx /news/current/comment-from-the-police-and-crime-commissioner-following-the-publication-of-the-ipcc-report-into-the-conduct-of-sir-norman-bettison-(28-march-2013).aspx 2013-03-28T10:54:20 Today Mark Burns-Williamson will launch his Police and Crime Plan for the next five years to set out his vision for policing and community safety and to make sure everyone across West Yorkshire is safer and feels safer. This morning (Wednesday) the plan will be launched being sent by e-mail, discussed on Twitter (#wypcp) and on the Commissioner's Facebook page reaching initially tens of thousands of people across West Yorkshire who have taken part in his 'Listening to you' survey, met Mark since he was elected or are in touch with their local Neighbourhood Police Team. The people of West Yorkshire will be the first to read a plan that now reflects their priorities and concerns raised in the 'Listening to you first' consultation.  The plan focuses on key issues, including a target to reduce levels of burglary compared to other similar police forces and local areas, tackle serious and violent crime like domestic violence, rape and child sexual exploitation and work to change minds over problems such as hate crime. Whether it be ensuring people work together to tackle Anti Social Behaviour your street, or ensuring that all those responsible for helping them always put the victims of crime first, the plan commits Mark to work with partners to make you, your family and neighbours safer, and feel safer. Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner said: "This Plan reflects my beliefs and values.It builds on the pledges made to you and the concerns you raised with me during the election campaign but importantly is strongly influenced by and seeks to properly reflect what is happening where you live and what you care about, as people told me clearly in my Listening to You First consultation." "I want to make a real difference to people's lives across West Yorkshire.I passionately believe in a fair and equal society where all people across the county can have confidence in all those delivering policing and community safety. I will drive forward with partners the change needed to make sure people are safer and feel safer in our communities." /news/current/mark-burns-williamson-to-launch-police-and-crime-plan-(27-march-2013).aspx /news/current/mark-burns-williamson-to-launch-police-and-crime-plan-(27-march-2013).aspx 2013-03-27T11:21:21 Today, Mark Burns-Williamson has announced the appointment of Isabel Owen as his Deputy. Her role will be focused on developing partnerships in our communities with those who deliver services across the county, to ensure West Yorkshire is safer, and feels safer. The  role of deputy as set out by the government was to allow elected Police and Crime Commissioner's to have the advice and support they need to deliver on their personal and party political mandate. Cllr Mehboob Khan, one of the interviewers on the appointment panel, said: "Isabel Owen has a proven track record working to bring people and partners together and she has an established record in senior positions and external affairs, as well as in advice and advocacy roles." "In West Yorkshire we have a diverse population to represent and as the Leader of Kirklees Council I know how much we will value this appointment of a senior woman to such an important role in delivering on the Police and Crime Commissioner's agenda and establishing effective partnerships." Steve Jennings, GMB official who also sat on the panel said: "As a trade union official, I understand the significant responsaibility Mark has to all those who serve in and work to support West Yorkshire Police. In listening to and making decisions with 2.2 million people across West Yorkshire he will need the support of an experienced advisor and professional." "After a robust process, I am keen to congratulate Isabel, who I know has both the commitment and experience to serve Mark and the public who elected him." Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I have made a start in listening to you with my survey of local people, which was one of my first priorities alongside appointing a new Chief Constable. I need to now carry on and make people safer out there on the streets - where you live, in your community." "To make sure I am working as effectively as I can with all those who make change happen on the ground, I need a person with the right skills and experience to advise me on the challenges we and I face in each and every community. "My deputy will also ensure my office is effective in reaching out across the county."   /news/current/west-yorkshire-police-and-crime-commissioner-to-appoint-a-deputy-(25-march-2013).aspx /news/current/west-yorkshire-police-and-crime-commissioner-to-appoint-a-deputy-(25-march-2013).aspx 2013-03-25T18:53:42 Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said today: "The judgement today says that for the time being council tax payers must subsidise the costs of Policing football games. However, I feel that with £100 million of cuts to West Yorkshire Police, meaning we are losing 2000 officers and staff, that this burden is unfair and unreasonable. It is a wake up call for the need for clear rules to govern the way businesses involved fairly cover the real costs of directly Policing matches. I will be working with other Police and Crime Commissioner's nationally to lobby the Home Office for legislation to bring to an end the lack of clarity which has existed, and which should never have been the case." "Like any other sports fan, I want to be able to go to a match and be in a safe stadium, and West Yorkshire Police will continue to work tirelessly to ensure this is the case and it will be my insistence to the Chief Constable that safety and fans interests always come first." /news/current/keeping-the-public-safe-at-football-games-(7-march-2013).aspx /news/current/keeping-the-public-safe-at-football-games-(7-march-2013).aspx 2013-03-07T13:17:20 When a warrant is issued on a criminal matter, it may be released to the publicso that the Police can be assisted to find individuals. These can be found under the 'Camera Alerts' section of the West Yorkshire Police website by clicking 'Wanted on Warrant'.  Mark Burns-Williamson, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire said: "As your Police and Crime Commissioner forWest Yorkshire I would always encourage you to help the police. However, if you find someone who has a warrant out on them it doesn't mean that you should attempt a citizen's arrest!"  "If you suspect you know someoneor have seen someone who is wanted on warrant; you can make a difference and help the police by reporting it." There are many other ways local people in communities can play their part, like identifying those 'Caught on camera', to help the Police find perpetrators and witnesses. Mark Burns-Williamson added: "I know that Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers are only as effective as the public's trust in them and support they give them. I will make sure in my soon to be published Police and Crime Plan forWest Yorkshirethat the Chief Constable and his officers like me are always out listening to communities, to further build that vital trust and relationship with those we serve. Making reports to the Police can be done in a number of ways: Report it by calling the police non emergency number 101 or via Crime Stoppers Report it online via the West Yorkshire Police website Speak to your local Police Officers or Police Community Support Officers Attend your local PACT meeting or Contact Point /news/current/tackling-crime-relies-on-the-law-abiding-majority-(5-march-2013).aspx /news/current/tackling-crime-relies-on-the-law-abiding-majority-(5-march-2013).aspx 2013-03-05T13:17:45