News

Partnership approach boosts public confidence

Released on 11 March 2010

The latest British Crime Survey shows that public confidence in Surrey in how police and councils are dealing with anti-social behaviour and crime is top in the country.

The survey results show public confidence has increased by 3.7 per cent to 58.6 per cent, which puts Surrey top of the national table, compared to sixth in June 2009.

Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Mark Rowley, said: "It is excellent news that the partnership work between police, partner agencies and the community, which is at the heart of our policing model in Surrey, has led to such a high level of public confidence. Following our guiding principle of putting the Surrey Public First, we have encouraged our officers to use their discretion to focus on local needs and priorities rather than national targets. We remain absolutely committed to neighbourhood policing.

"We enjoy considerable public support from our volunteers and partners, and we are working increasingly closely with borough and district council colleagues to secure the best outcomes for local people. I believe a combination of good local initiatives, countywide operations against anti-social behaviour and anti-social driving - Drive SMART - and a supportive public have made a real difference. We recognise that there is more to be done and we are determined to continue improving our service to the public."

Confidence in local policing within Surrey Heath has also risen, with 85.3 per cent of Surrey Heath residents being 'very' and 'fairly' confident with local policing in December 2009 - compared to 76.9 per cent in December 2008.

Cllr Moira Gibson, Leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council and Chair of the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership, said: "We welcome the news that thanks to joint working with the police, Surrey is ranked top in the UK. It is also satisfying to know that Surrey Heath residents are confident in local policing and value partnership efforts to make their neighbourhoods even safer. This confidence is a reflection of the hard work we do together to make Surrey, and Surrey Heath, a great place to live, work or visit."