Chief Constable's column - October

I’d like to start by thanking all those who have attended one of the public meetings myself and the Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore have been hosting around the county. 

We have listened to your views on policing and received some honest feedback on a range of topics which enables me to understand how well the Constabulary is supporting communities. 

There is a final engagement event scheduled for Wednesday 6th November. This meeting will be held on-line, and you can find further detail and registration instructions via the PCC’s website Online Public Meeting (6.00pm - 8.00pm) - 6 November 2024 - Suffolk PCC (suffolk-pcc.gov.uk).  

As we head into the autumn the Constabulary is working to raise awareness amongst young drivers and riders about the fatal four.  The fatal four are the four most common factors involved in road collisions where people are killed or seriously injured.  They are:

1. Excess speed
2. Using a mobile phone for any purpose
3. Failing to wear a seatbelt
4. Drink/drug driving

Officers across the county will be focusing their attention on these four key areas, using education, engagement and enforcement to protect road users and reduce the number of people who come to harm.

Statistically, those between the ages of 16 and 29 years are most likely to be involved in serious road traffic collisions, so engaging with this demographic is vitally important as part of the campaign.  Last year in Suffolk a young driver was found to be involved in more than a third of all collisions where someone was seriously injured or killed. 

The campaign aims to improve driver/rider behaviour, education young drivers around the dangers of committing these offences, and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely. 

Recently, the annual data for Stop & Search has been published. Suffolk Constabulary has the highest arrest rate following a stop and search at nearly 25%.

This is positive news and demonstrates the force’s commitment to target those criminals that cause the most harm to our communities. We do not always resort to arrest following a positive find and the actual outcome rate sits closer to 45%, demonstrating that Stop & Search remains a useful tool when used fairly, proportionately and legitimately, and we continue to work with the independent Police Powers Scrutiny Group to use community feedback to support our future training.

The report also highlighted that Suffolk has the highest “use of force” associated with Stop & Search. Whilst use of force can refer to many tactics, generally in Stop & Search it relates to the use of handcuffs.

Many people are concerned around the use of handcuffs but I can reassure you that the data reflects the use of force throughout the encounter whether it has been legitimately used to support the search or been used following arrest to ensure the safety of officers when transporting an arrested person.

I would encourage anyone wishing to see how we are held to account for both Stop & Search and use of force to come along to the bi-monthly Police Powers Scrutiny Group with details of the event publicised on the Ipswich & Suffolk Council for Racial Equality website.

Finally, I was recently delighted to open the National Women of Colour in Policing Conference which took place at the College of Policing in Ryton.  The aim of the National Women of Colour in Policing (NWoCiP) group is to improve and support the voice, position, and confidence of women from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds by understanding lived experiences, barriers and challenges to their development.

The group act as a focal point for discussions, leadership, and direction in improving the position of all women of colour in policing whether an officer, staff member or volunteer.

Working both independently and with other networks and allies the NWoCIP looks to create a culture where Women of Colour in Policing can thrive and progress.  The conference was a real success with over 160 delegates attending. Delegates heard from a range of inspiring speakers each sharing their personal and professional journeys, challenges and triumphs. 

There was a range of inspirational speakers who took the opportunity to highlight not only what women of colour can do to help realise their potential but also the role that we all must play in supporting and nurturing diversity and talent in policing.