My first 100 days in office by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg

Hello,

I am writing this on my 100th day in office. If I’m honest, it feels more like 100 minutes because we’ve packed so much in to these first three months, and at times there’s hardly been time to catch my breath.

I am really pleased with what I’ve managed to achieve so far. The appointment of a new Chief Constable, publication of the police and crime plan and setting the budget quite rightly took a good deal of thought and hard work, and I suspect you wouldn’t want it any other way.

I do realise that many of you are yet to be convinced about the need for a Police and Crime Commissioner, and, indeed, what the role actually involves and how you can make a difference too.

Basically I am a direct link between you and the police. A real point of contact for you to make your voice heard and influence the policing priorities that I set. I am not in charge of operational policing, but I will hold the Chief Constable to account for the effective delivery of my plan.

I have already met with hundreds of local people who’ve given me their thoughts, ideas, opinions and suggestions. I have met with partners and other groups. I have built a picture of what people want to see and I am translating that into actions.

The overwhelming message is that you want to see more ‘bobbies on the beat’ so I have maintained officer numbers above 3,000 across the force area.

I share concerns about alcohol misuse and crime, and I also want to give victims of crime a stronger voice.

I have many other priorities too, but my role is basically about linking communities with police, and this is really important. I will now be able to be out and about much more, and my diary is filling up rapidly with events where I can meet many more of you directly and I’m really looking forward to doing that.

As you’re reading this now, you have access to a computer, but I need to make sure that I can reach the approx 20% of people locally who aren’t able to go on-line as well.

In the meantime, feel free to send questions directly to me, or to the Exeter Daily - ted@thedailyuk.com. I am happy for them to publish my answers on a regular basis. This dialogue is vital to my role. I want to hear what you have to say and I am a good listener.

Best wishes

Tony Hogg
Police and Crime Commissioner.
01392 225555