THERE is no doubt in my mind that the police service remains among our most valued institutions.
Like any organisation, it has had its ups and downs and the continuing pressure on budgets means services are under pressure like never before.
Even so, I believe the majority of the public still find the men and women who serve them a reassuring presence.
But, and this is partly because of the pressure on finances, the Constabulary has to change the way it polices our streets and communities in the future.
The police are no different to any of us in having to adapt to the circumstances in which they now find themselves.
It is my job to make sure they find the most efficient and effective way of reducing crime and producing more peace and good order with the resources at their disposal.
That is why I have begun the process of finding out in more detail what people in the Forest of Dean think of policing in their area. I know from the many people I spoke to during the campaign that they have a fear of isolation.
Against a background of more and more of their police stations being closed by the old Police Authority, they expressed the fear that the thin blue line was not only stretched to the limit, it would soon be broken beyond repair.
But I believe that out of adversity come fresh opportunities. I have spoken many times about developing a hub for police and other local services in the Forest of Dean. I made a commitment which I intend to keep.
My vision is based on Coleford Police Station though the reluctance of the Ministry of Justice to agree to the sale of the adjoining Magistrates Court – which is integral to my plan – is an unexpected and disappointing source of frustration.
Whilst many were critical at the lack of public engagement previously, this consultation will be thorough.
My aim is to canvass as wide a range of views as possible.
The information is being gathered by an independent market research and analysis company in conjunction with the police.
It will focus on neighbourhood policing, fear of crime, accessibility, spending priorities, partnership working and how to improve community safety.
It will be based on the views of residents in the main Forest communities – Cinderford, Coleford, Newent, Lydney and Sedbury who will be contacted by phone. And it will not end there. Some of those questioned will also be asked to develop their views in groups. Police officers and staff working in the Forest of Dean will also take part. Members of the public who want to get involved can e-mail amy.dyde@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk.
The process is now underway having begun in the middle of May when telephone researchers started calling local residents who were selected at random. Police officers and staff who work in the Forest are also completing their own survey.
Those chosen will take part in Focus Groups during the summer with analysis of the data scheduled for late summer/early autumn.
It has been reported that I am going back on promises I made in my manifesto.
That I want to revert to the Police Authority plan to close all Forest police stations and work out of Gloucester. Let me reassure you, this is not the case. Though I should also make it clear there is no point people asking for police stations that are now closed to be re-opened. That debate was had before I was elected.
The Chief Constable Suzette Davenport has said the Constabulary has to find the best way of delivering an effective and efficient police service while operating on a smaller budget. The views of residents and staff in the Forest, as collected in this consultation, will to give us a clearer understanding of their needs so that we can plan how best to meet them.
