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This is the final issue of the APCC Bulletin in its current form. From December, we will be relaunching the APCC monthly circular with a new, fresh look and new content which we hope you'll really enjoy. We look forward to launching the new bulletin next month.

Yesterday was Day One of the new four-week national lockdown for England, following the Prime Minister's announcement. These new restrictions will once again have a huge impact on people's movements, work, finances, mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the run-up to the festive season. But it is imperative that we all work together to get through this. And we will. Community spirit is strong and I am constantly heartened by the way I see the vast majority of people complying with the restrictions and watching out for each other.

Guidance from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing continues to support the message that frontline police officers will engage with the public proportionately, fairly and with common sense, using the 4Es approach of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce. The APCC continues to work closely with all our national and local partners, including local leaders, to keep our communities safe.

Last month was Black History Month 2020 and to mark this myself and PFCC Julia Mulligan, Joint Chairs of the APCC Race Disparity Working Group, outlined the work the APCC have been doing in response to the killing of George Floyd and the resulting Black Lives Matter protests. This work and that of the NPCC around race disparity were positively recognised by the Home Secretary at the National Policing Board this week. (Read more below).

This week was the funeral of Sergeant Matiu Ratana, who was tragically shot dead in Croydon Custody Centre in September. It is clear that Matiu was a popular, respected and much loved police officer. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and friends. Living under the restrictions of a pandemic no doubt makes it even harder for those who are mourning loved ones. We will remember them and all the others who made sacrifices at this year's Remembrance Sunday and, on that, I would want to say how important it is that we find a way to mark this important and solemn occasion in appropriate, socially-distanced ways. Even in these Covid times, we need to be able to say, "We Will Remember Them".

Paddy Tipping (APCC Chair and Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire)

APCC Impact Report 2019/20

The APCC has launched its?Impact Report 2019/20, which demonstrates the breadth of work and impact of the Association against its five business priorities.

If you haven't done so already, click here to read the full Impact Report and find out:

• How we are?continuing to work with?PCCs, the NPCC and the Home Office to deliver further efficiencies and improve productivity across policing.
• Our work with the NPCC and the Police ICT Company on a?National Digital Policing Strategy.
• Working with policing partners to deliver the Policing Vision 2025.
• How we helped secure ?68m that PCCs were able to invest in local victims' services.
• Continued work with PCCs to develop their role in transforming local criminal justice systems.
• More 'PCCs Making A Difference' campaigns, which include a series of 'In Focus' digital reports that demonstrate the collaborative and innovative work of PCCs to support victims of crime and reduce reoffending.
• The APCC and NPCC Partnership?Summit 2020 -?which brought together senior leaders, politicians, experts, and decision-makers to discuss and shape solutions to many complex issues facing law enforcement.
• The work of the APCC Serious Violence portfolio, which helped secure ?35m funding for PCC-led Violence Reduction Units in 18 local areas.

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Statement from the Joint Chairs of the APCC Race Disparity Working Group

To mark Black History Month 2020, the Joint Chairs of the APCC Race Disparity Working Group, Paddy Tipping (PCC for Nottinghamshire) and Julia Mulligan (PFCC for North Yorkshire), outlined the work the Association have been doing in response to the horrific killing of George Floyd and the resulting protests.

We established our Race Disparity Working Group, bringing key APCC portfolios together to develop our response to issues and concerns in relation to race disparity and disproportionality within policing and the wider criminal justice system.

The Working Group is currently developing an action plan, based on previous reports relating to race disparity, including the Lammy Review on the criminal justice system, and the Angiolini Review on deaths in custody.

The role of the PCCs is to be the voice of the people in policing and hold the police to account. PCCs also have a key role to play in wider criminal justice and community safety. They commission support services for victims of crime and champion the needs of victims at a local level.

Read the full statement here, which includes an overview of the key priorities which have been identified.

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World Mental Health Day 2020 Blog

To mark World Mental Health Day 2020, APCC Mental Health Lead, Matthew Scott, wrote a blog post reflecting on how 2020 has been a difficult time for us all.

World Mental Health Day this year was even more timely than ever and served as an important reminder of the need to look after the mental health of ourselves and those around us.

The blog post marked this important day to say again that it is okay to not be okay. Mental ill-health affects us all in different ways. There's no denying that the re-introduction of necessary lockdown restrictions and the challenges they bring will contribute to the ongoing pressure many people feel at this time. However, there are people to talk to, to help us and to listen to us.

The post also discusses Matthew's role as the APCC's national lead for mental health, and his recent inquiry into how this pandemic has impacted on our mental health.

Read the full blog post here.

We all deserve to have good mental health and support when we need it -?#MentalHealthForAll

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Protecting our police dogs

Essex's Police Dogs are a pawsome bunch and really are ahead of the pack when it comes to helping to keep Essex safe.

They are fantastically cared for and trained by their handlers but as we are a county of animal lovers it's great to know that their care and training is monitored independently.

The Essex Police Dog Welfare Scheme is run by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex. The PFCC co-ordinates a team of volunteers who observe and report of the conditions under which police dogs are trained, transported, deployed and cared for. Their volunteers' visits are unannounced and take place on random days and times to ensure impartiality.

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Lost Voices - Lost Lives

On 2^nd November, North Wales PCC Arfon Jones hosted an online conference to raise awareness and gain support for the implementation of a Heroin Assisted Treatment Pilot in North Wales.

The pilot scheme to give prescribed heroin for free to drug addicts has received support from a world-renowned expert.

The idea is the brainchild of the PCC Arfon Jones, who says the introduction of Heroin Assisted Treatment would save lives, reduce crime, cuts costs and interrupt the illicit drug market.

The virtual conference featured speakers providing an overview of the benefits of Heroin Assisted Treatment to vulnerable individuals entrenched in drug use, the community as a whole and a reduction in crime, and the science behind the programme.

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Why PCCs have a pivotal role to play in promoting roads policing

West Midlands PCC, David Jamieson, recently featured in Policing Insight, discussing the crucial role PCCs have to play in reprioritising road safety. The opinion piece is in response to the Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report in roads policing which was published in July.

PCC Jamieson, a former Transport Road Safety Minister, reflected on the slow but definitive increase in fatalities and serious injuries occurring on our roads.

Each PCC must publish a Police and Crime Plan to identify local priorities and how they plan to meet them. PCC Jamieson welcomed the HMICFRS recommendation that guidance should require reference to roads policing in all police and crime plans.

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Vulnerable women's scheme in Dorset commended at the Howard League Community Awards

A partnership between Dorset Police, The Footprints Project and Dorset PCC Martyn Underhill was given a special commendation at the Howard League Community Awards for the Footprints Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme that works with women who have committed and admitted low level offences, but are identified by the Police as vulnerable. They are issued with an out of court disposal and given the opportunity to take part in this rehabilitative scheme.

The 2020 Howard League Community Awards recognise the country's successful community projects encouraging progressive reforms in relation to criminal justice. Judges gave the scheme a special commendation after being particularly struck by high levels of engagement, the level of monitoring and outcomes, and the positive feedback from women who have been through the scheme.

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Prisoners will be employed to build affordable homes - with first in Devon

Devon and Cornwall PCC, Alison Hernandez, is sponsoring an innovative pilot project that aims to address a construction skills shortage, high reoffending rates and homelessness.

Agile Homes is a people centred business with a social impact purpose. It wants to do what it can, by working collaboratively, to break the cycle of re-offending, by adding purpose and value to people's lives and to deliver low carbon, affordable homes that communities need so badly.

Agile Homes and HM Prison & Probation Service were delighted to announce that, following signing of a contract earlier this year, the first low carbon, affordable modular home is to be made by prisoners at HMP Leyhill in early November.

The home is being sponsored by PCC Hernandez and will be occupied by young mothers, who would otherwise be in unsuitable accommodation and are in need of support to develop life skills for independent living.

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'Be Home Safe' scheme celebrates 20th anniversary

October marked the 20th anniversary of Avon and Somerset Police's 'Be Home Safe' service.

Formerly known as the 'Bobby Van' service, the first van was launched in 2000 in south Bristol and provided a free home security service for vulnerable victims of repeat burglary in the area.

In the following years, the service received additional funding from PCC Sue Mountstevens and the Police Community Trust to set up a further five vans, which have since visited thousands of homes across the force area.

Today, the 'Bobby Van' service is known as the 'Be Home Safe' scheme and covers the whole of Avon and Somerset to provide timely intervention for vulnerable victims of crime.

There is no doubt this winter is going to be a tough one for many people with the threat of the coronavirus hanging over us and curtailing how we socialise with family and friends or indeed with our work colleagues, who we may not physically see for many months.

Last week the Prime Minister announced a series of new measures as part of the Government's response to coronavirus; including fines of up to ?10,000 in England for those who refuse to self-isolate when they test positive or are contacted by Test and Trace, and new 10pm curfew for pubs and hospitality venues. We have also seen a swathe of local restrictions in regions across England and Wales. We must all play our part in helping to control the rise in infections, particularly as we approach winter.

PCCs will continue to work with Chief Constables, partners, and local communities to make sure the right support and resources are in place and that the public understand the rules and indeed the consequences if they knowingly flout them. They will also play an active role in making sure the extra funding gets to the parts of policing that need it the most.

The important role PCCs have in supporting their communities was consolidated during my weekly call with the Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse, who reiterated his commitment to working closely with PCCs around Covid-19 issues and more widely.

This week, the APCC has published its 2020-2022 Business Plan, which sets out the organisation's priorities and key deliverables over the next two years. More information on this is available in the 'News Update' section below.

Finally, I know that you all share my shock and sadness at the senseless death of Sergeant Matiu Ratana in a Croydon Custody Centre, last Friday. It was another tragic reminder of the risks police officers take on a daily basis to keep communities safe. One glance at the hundreds of tributes from those who knew Matiu only adds to the feeling that he will have left a huge gap in the communities he served. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.

Paddy Tipping (APCC Chair and Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire)

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APCC Business Plan 2020-2022

The new APCC Business Plan sets out our priorities and key deliverables over the next two years.

Developed in close consultation with our membership and in discussion with partners, it is an ambitious plan reflecting the issues and priorities that we know are of greatest importance to our communities.

Our new delivery structure ensures we are better able to deliver against our key priorities: excellence in policing and safer communities, alongside providing a national voice for PCCs, victims and the public.

Download your copy here:?https://bit.ly/2GevH7z

To find out more about the work of the APCC's various portfolios, please visit 'Our Work' webpages where you can find useful resources and contact information for our policy leads.

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Survey shows overwhelming support for higher speeding fines and greater investment in road safety

The national APCC Roads Enforcement and Safety survey ended yesterday, receiving an impressive 66,266 responses, with more than half (56%) showing that they saw road traffic offences on a daily basis.

Full analysis of the responses is currently underway however some significant trends are already emerging. For instance, seven out of ten of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that fixed penalty notices for road traffic offences like speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt (currently ?100) should be increased in line with other serious offences like driving while using a handheld mobile phone (currently ?200). Also 88% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that some of the money raised through fixed penalty notices should be reinvested into enforcement and road safety measures to deny criminals the use of the roads.

The survey, the largest ever conducted by the APCC, will be used to influence a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on roads policing which closes on Monday (October 5).

The full results can be found on the APCC website at www.apccs.police.uk.

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Response to Modern Day Slavery Annual Report 2019-20

In September, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, published her Annual Report for 2019-2020. Read the full report here.

National APCC Lead on Modern Slavery, Mark Burns-Williamson OBE, noted that whilst there is encouraging engagement in response to this issue, modern slavery remains a very real and ongoing threat to our communities. Moreover, in order to build the necessary resilience to tackle this type of crime, it is right that the report focuses heavily on the need for collaboration between key stakeholders, businesses, organisations and the public.

Mark Burns-Williamson also chairs the National Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Network?which includes other PCCs and key stakeholders. The network has been made aware of the ongoing low rates of use of offences and prosecutions under the Modern Slavery Act, and it has been suggested that Local Criminal Justice Boards, chaired by PCCs, could effect more positive outcomes in this area.

Read the full APCC response here.

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'Fighting Crime, Preventing Crime' survey launched by PCC Kim McGuinness

Yesterday (1 October) PCC Kim McGuiness launched a public survey, the findings of which will be used to inform the strategic policing priorities, aims and objectives in the next Northumbria Police and Crime Plan.

PCCs speak on behalf of the public to police forces, and as such it is essential that the public''s views are reflected in these plans. People from all walks of life and from the different communities have been invited to complete the survey and highlight the issues which really matter to them.

Furthermore, to ensure wider engagement, PCC Kim McGuiness is awaiting the green light to take a bus to meet local people out in the open, touring the entire region and speaking to as many people as possible with social distancing maintained and face masks at the ready.

Partnership tackling serious and organised crime in Newport recognised with award

The Newport Serious and Organised Crime Partnership between Gwent Police, Newport City Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent has been commended by PCC Jeff Cuthbert as part of the Gwent Police awards 2020.

The partnership brings together partners from policing, the public sector and third sector organisations to deliver interventions to vulnerable young people who are at risk from being drawn into serious and organised crime. Furthermore, the team are working with organisations such as the St Giles Trust, Crimestoppers and Barnardo's to deliver a programme that educates young people about the risk of serious and organised crime, and encourages them to report their concerns to all nine secondary schools in Newport.

The start of autumn brings with it a very busy period for the APCC.

Since 2012, PCCs have brought increased transparency and direct democratic accountability to policing, providing the public with real say on how policing is delivered in their local area. PCCs work to support and hold their Chief Constables to account and have also driven focused improvements across the wider criminal justice system, helping to change the culture of the criminal justice system to put the needs of victims at its core - ensuring they have access to dedicated help and support services, which PCCs commission locally. The current PCC review is an opportunity to reflect on the learning since the role was created and to help shape and develop it moving forward.

The ongoing challenges and issues faced by BAME communities have also been a strong focus for PCC colleagues in recent months We have heard the voices of the Black Lives Matter movement, and community concerns, and acknowledge the important issues that need to be addressed. PCCs have formed a working group to develop a cross-portfolio response to these issues within policing and the wider criminal justice system. We want to ensure this work delivers effective and long-lasting change. We will be working closely with our colleagues in the National Police Chief Council, the College of Policing and wider community groups in taking this forward.

The APCC has this week published its latest 'In Focus' report into the work of Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) in England and Wales. Established by PCCs, VRUs are multi-agency collaborations, bringing key agencies together to tackle violent crime with a strong focus on prevention. I would encourage you all to read it.

As always, this bulletin provides a snapshot of the work PCCs are doing every day to reduce crime, keep our communities safe and ensure your police forces are delivering for the public. To learn more about what your local PCC is doing, use the APCC's Find Your PCC tool.

Paddy Tipping (Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire)

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VRUs In Focus

This week the APCC launched the 'Violence Reduction Units In Focus' report. ?

'VRUs In Focus' is the seventh 'In Focus' report - part of the campaign strand 'PCCs Making A Difference' - a vehicle to demonstrate the innovative work of PCCs, and in particular their excellent collaboration with partner organisations, to help support victims of crime and reduce re-offending.

The report was produced with the support of the Home Office and demonstrates the progress and development of the 18 VRUs in their multi-agency, public health approach to supporting young people and diverting them away from serious violent crime.

The APCC press release can be viewed here.

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Assaults on shop workers rise as shoplifters become 'desperate'

The APCC announced Sussex PCC Katy Bourne as their new National Lead for Business Crime. Mrs Bourne has convened several meetings already with retailers in Sussex and unveiled some staggering home truths about the impact of these crimes and how little is being reported to the police.

According to a recent survey from the British Retail Consortium assaults on shopworkers have risen by 9% in the last year and this number has only been further exacerbated by the COVID product shortages, strict social distancing measures and now the enforcement of wearing masks in stores. One Southern Co-op Manager has pleaded with people to treat shopworkers with respect having witnessed the devastating impact of theft and threatening abuse made against staff and how this has only worsened during the pandemic.

Read the full article here which includes a discussion on enforcing face coverings, shoplifters capitalising on the two-metre rule to steal from shops and social distancing during the pandemic, and broader concerns around the under reporting of business crime. A recent analysis conducted with a large national chain revealed less than 10% of all their incidents were reported to the police.

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PCC introduces ground-breaking approach for female offenders

Thanks to funding from Cheshire PCC David Keane, an innovative programme is being trialled by Cheshire Police and restorative justice provider Remedi. The initiative looks to work with female offenders to reduce reoffending by addressing the root causes of their crime including poverty, domestic abuse or sexual abuse or drug / alcohol abuse.

The programme is being trialled as an alternative to the traditional criminal justice process. A case worker will work closely with offender to develop practical solutions which can address offending. These case workers will also support victims to enable them to recover from their ordeal.

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Youth mentorship project toasts funding boost from PCC

PCCs are responsible for funding crime prevention initiatives in their area and as part of his Community Action Grant scheme, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa recently paid a special visit to the YouthSkillz project. Run by Parkside High Community Interest Company the programme helps to train young people in trades such as horticulture and joinery to prevent them turning to crime. Focusing on hard-to-reach young people aged 10 to 16, project leaders seek to help prepare them for the world of work and improve their mental health and wellbeing.

The programme includes workshops such as gardening and horticulture, building and joinery and scaffolding and mechanics, and accommodates up to 40 young participants a week.

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PCC supports Worcestershire primary school to improve road safety

New bikes funded by West Mercia PCC John Campion are helping to increase road awareness with young children in Worcestershire. The new funds will allow 'Bikeability' training to take place which encourages children to travel on bikes, whilst increasing their awareness of road safety, reducing the number of road traffic collisions.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "With more and more people choosing to cycle, this is a great project aimed at young people safely using our local roads. Road safety is a concern for all residents across West Mercia, and it is a priority of mine to work with communities to make our roads safer. It is important for our children to have good road awareness as they start their cycling career, and I am pleased Wyre Forest School Sport Partnership have been able to access my funding dedicated to improving road safety."

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Dyfed-Powys Police is recognised as one of the best places to work in UK

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn congratulated colleagues at Dyfed-Powys Police, as the Force was officially awarded Investors in People (IiP) GOLD accreditation - an accolade achieved by only 7% of UK organisations subscribing to IiP. PCC Dafydd Llywelyn believes the Gold award is a significant endorsement for the communities across the Dyfed-Powys Police area and said "The motivation to serve the community is palpable, with a desire to continually improve the service. Officers, staff and volunteers are always eager to bring their ideas to the table, and an open and visible leadership culture has been nurtured to make this happen."

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Police and Crime Commissioners are now responsible for administering ?20 million additional emergency funding for domestic abuse and sexual violence support services. ?PCCs are currently engaging with relevant support organisations in their force areas and encouraging funding requests. ?This should make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

?Supporting the vulnerable was a key theme at last week's Hidden Harm Summit, hosted at No.10 Downing Street. Utilising the new funding streams available, Police and Crime Commissioners are working closely with Government, policing partners, local charities and victim support services to find innovative ways to reach out to those who need help and ensure effective enforcement is in place.?

There is much strong, proactive work happening and we are all committed to supporting those most at risk. Nobody should feel alone or that they have to suffer in silence. ?I know that we will all continue to work collaboratively to drive forward real, lasting action that will support victims of crime beyond this crisis.

Katy Bourne OBE (Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex)

A key responsibility of Police and Crime Commissioners across England and Wales is commissioning local support services for victims of crime, including victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This has been essential during the COVID-19 crisis recognising that it has had a significant impact on victims, who may be locked indoors with perpetrators, and ensuring that funding and support is made available to the most vulnerable across our communities.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners recently published its most recent In Focus, looking at how PCCs have made a difference protecting the vulnerable during the Covid-19 crisis. The report included 34 PCC case studies from across England and Wales. Some examples of this work are:

Also, as part of its Safer Cyber Priority commitment, Gloucestershire's Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has produced a short animation to encourage safer internet use for children spending more time online during lockdown. The video has been shared across the country and reminds parents to check their children are safe online. View the animation here.

Another?key focus of PCCs is preventing fraud by providing support and information to help individuals recognise a potential scam.

In Norfolk PCC Lorne Green has launched a three-week scam awareness campaign which has seen agencies from across the county come together to warn residents of new and existing scams and provide advice on staying safe. The full advice can be found here.

Also the Victim Care and Advice Service?which is supported by Cleveland PCC Barry Coppinger and Durham''s Acting PCVC Steve White, is contacting 1,000 previous victims of fraud to make sure they aren't caught out again.

In his blog on Mental Health Awareness Week, APCC Mental Health lead, Matthew Scott reflects on the impact of Covid-19 on every aspect of our lives, and on police forces up and down the country. He praises the mental strength of our police officers, their sheer bravery and continuous physical efforts.

It has been a long-term commitment of Mr Scott's to work with policing and health colleagues to ensure those who are most vulnerable and suffering with mental ill health receive the right care, from the right people, at the right time. The blog outlines some initiatives across England and Wales ensuring people suffering a mental health crisis avoid the dangers associated with Covid-19 and receive treatment that respects social distancing measures.

Support and help is still available - and those who might be suffering were, and are, encouraged to access the appropriate services.

It concludes: "the theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, kindness, is highly appropriate. At this moment in time, I think we could all benefit from a little kindness; a reminder to look out for our own and other's mental health. This theme should be a golden thread throughout society pre-Covid-19, during Covid-19 and post-Covid-19 - not just this week."

Read the full blog post here.

Read the national guidance on mental wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak here.?

Since the last bulletin the UK joined the rest of the world in shock at the death of George Floyd in the US and the tragic attack in Reading.

There have inevitably been comparisons between the US system and our consent-based style of British policing. Locally elected, PCCs play a vital role in representing our communities and holding our Chief Constables to account. All of us will continue to engage with policing and community partners to address racism and disproportionality where it exists.?

Furthermore, the murder of three people in Reading has shocked and saddened us all and reminded us that, despite the community spirit we have shown to tackle the pandemic, there is still an ongoing threat from hate-filled extremists and radicalised individuals.

My deepest condolences to everybody affected by the attack, and our grateful thanks to the officers who acted so swiftly and bravely.

Katy Bourne OBE (Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex)

Concerns raised over the court backlog

APCC Criminal Justice Lead, David Lloyd, has written to the Lord Chancellor and Home Secretary to express concern over the significant backlog of cases in the courts as a result of Covid and court closures, and to offer the support of the PCCs who chair their Local Criminal Justice Boards in helping to address this. In his letter, David highlighted the importance of timely justice and how, without this, victims and witnesses will suffer. Victims should not have to put their lives on hold as they wait for delayed court cases. There also remain significant concerns over issues such as a lack of data sharing, the need for more local innovation, improvements in use of video technology and funding. PCCs will continue to drive forward improvements wherever they can through their local criminal justice board, but David Lloyd has stressed the need for action from the centre in responding to this crisis.

APCC Lead for Modern Slavery welcomes Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's review on the business response to Operation Fort

On 16 June, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, published her review of the business response to Operation Fort; the UK's largest modern slavery investigation and prosecution which identified an estimated 400 victims.

APCC Lead on Modern Slavery, Mark Burns-Williamson welcomed the review which focuses on the important role of businesses in ensuring modern slavery and exploitation do not exist in their supply chains, calling it a wakeup call. Mark has called for the Modern Slavery Act 2015 to be revisited and made more robust in order to capture businesses that fall outside the statutory remit. ?

Read the full statement here.

#SaferTogetherApart - Hampshire PCC is providing events to keep the community safe

Michael Lane, PCC for Hampshire, has developed new ways of reaching out to his communities during lockdown. From the 15 June his office has been providing a month of engagement events online, #SaferTogetherApart 2020, each week focusing on a key theme: Staying safe from fraud and scams; Protecting children and older people; Tackling Domestic Abuse; and Building inclusive communities. Every day new content is available via Facebook and Twitter including chats with experts and information and advice.

Bedfordshire PCC teams up with YouTuber to provide online activities to young people

Kathryn Holloway, PCC for Bedfordshire, ?launched a range of online activities for young people during the Covid-19 pandemic by teaming up with The James Campbell Collective, a YouTuber who has been producing fitness videos. The aim is to empower young people, to deliver activities which might occupy 10 to 25-year-olds and even create a longer-term hobby or career opportunity. The initiative has received outstanding feedback so far and has reached over 2000 views in a single month.

PCCs mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day seeks to promote a better understanding of?abuse?and neglect of older persons by raising?awareness?of the potential causes. On 15 June 2020, South Wales PCC Alun Michael, called on communities to help tackle the hidden harm of elder abuse, and PCC for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert urged residents to learn how to spot the signs of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of older people.

For more information visit the United Nations page which provides an overview and a number of useful resources.

PCCs acknowledge vital volunteers during National Volunteers Week

National Volunteers Week 2020 took place 1-7 June and PCCs have thanked those who have provided valuable support to their forces and our communities.

PCC Matthew Scott, APCC Mental Health and Custody Lead, reflected on the stories of selflessness and community spirit that have given people hope during this period of emergency. The support of volunteers is something which policing and the public continue to benefit from, whether they are?special?constables, police staff volunteers, appropriate adults, independent custody visitors, Speedwatch, Witness Care, Neighbourhood Watch, Search and Rescue, 4x4?Response, cadets, chaplains and many more.

Read the full statement here.

APCC Citizens in Policing Lead Alun Michael, PCC for South Wales, thanked Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers who are viewed as important and valued members of the policing family and support PCCs in understanding and responding to the needs of diverse communities.

Read the full statement here.?

Martyn Underhill, APCC Deputy Lead for Custody and Mental Health, highlighted the important role of Independent Custody Visitors who give their own time to make sure people in police custody are being treated properly, and volunteers who sit on independent scrutiny panels helping hold police forces to account.

Read the full statement here.

It is a tremendous honour for me to be elected as Chair of the APCC and to lead the organisation over the next 12 months. We need to drive positive change in policing and the decisions and action we take now will be vital for building trust and shaping policing in the future.

We have welcomed the review into the PCC model announced by the Home Office this week. This is an opportunity to reflect on the learning since the role was created and to help shape and develop it moving forward. You can learn more about the review here.

PCCs have brought increased transparency and direct democratic accountability to policing, giving the public a voice and changing the culture to put the needs of victims at its core.

All PCCs are committed to reducing crime and keeping our communities safe and welcome the opportunity to increase the visibility and public awareness of the role.

Paddy Tipping (Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire)

PCC Alison Hernandez convenes a Roundtable on Road Safety

One week on from the publication of the HMICFRS Thematic Inspection into?Roads Policing: Not Optional,?the APCC Road Safety and Roads Policing Portfolio hosted a virtual Roundtable to discuss recent developments and emerging issues relating to roads safety.

There was broad acknowledgement about the importance of addressing road safety and PCCs will continue to engage with the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety, communicating their local experiences of this issue.

Moreover,?Alison Hernandez, as the APCC's representative on the Roads Policing Review Board, shall be working with the National Police Chiefs Council, Department for Transport and Home Office to oversee the comprehensive review of road traffic enforcement which is currently underway.?

Read the APCC response to the HMICFRS report here.

PCC welcomes next stage of review into drugs misuse in the UK

The APCC's national lead for Drugs and Alcohol and Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Hardyal Dhindsa welcomed the latest phase of a national review into the misuse of illegal drugs in England.

Mr Dhindsa, who contributed evidence to the first phase of the review, said too many lives and communities were being destroyed by illegal drugs and welcomed further research into how treatment services can help those with drug dependency achieve and sustain their recovery.

The PCC is expected to be involved in the second phase of the of independent review being led by Professor Dame Carol Black, which will consider the provision of treatment and recovery services for drug users as well as focus on how to prevent the misuse of drugs among adults and young people.

Read the full statement here.

Making best use of taxpayers' money

Matthew Scott, Bluelight Commercial Board Chair and PCC for Kent, provided an update on the work of Bluelight Commercial, an organization funded by PCCs to increase overall commercial capability within policing, maximising benefits to the frontline and ensuring that issues of duplication across procurement departments are addressed.

While the spotlight this summer has been on policing the pandemic, work to achieve longer-term ambitions and transformation continues behind the scenes. This includes delivering efficiency savings for policing, thus making the best use of taxpayers' money. To date, some ?81.2m of cashable procurement savings have been delivered for policing.

Bluelight Commercial was launched in June 2020 and looks to implement a cultural transformation programme and provide a single voice to the supplier market, ensuring the police get the best quality products and services.

Read the full blog post here.

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Less than 10% of all business crime reported to police

Last Friday Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne convened another meeting of her Safer Sussex Business Partnership to identify easier ways for businesses to report crime.

This meeting included senior officers from Sussex Police, business crime experts, representatives from Tesco, Sainsbury's and the Co-op as well as representatives of smaller, local stores, business crime reduction partnerships and Mitie.

It was revealed that business crime across Sussex, as across the whole country, is significantly under reported and a recent analysis conducted locally with a large national chain revealed less than 10% of all their incidents were reported to Sussex Police.

It was recognised that there are currently too many barriers to reporting crime for local businesses - including the time spent reporting crimes and the misconception that financial thresholds exist and influence what crimes police will investigate.

Katy Bourne is now the APCC Lead on the newly established Retail and Business Crime Portfolio and hopes to raise awareness and share good practice amongst Police and Crime Commissioners.

Partnership welcomes innovative coordinator role to reduce reoffending at HMP Eastwood Park

A pioneering new role to support women leaving prison is being spearheaded by the South West Reducing Reoffending Partnership, chaired by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

The year-long pilot aims to improve the future of women released from HMP Eastwood Park and reduce the likelihood that they will reoffend. The initiative is funded by the Partnership which is made up of a range of criminal justice partners including the regional PCCs, Ministry of Justice, National Probation Service, Community Rehabilitation Company, NHS, Public Health, the voluntary sector, prison representatives, Police, Youth Justice Board and the Department of Work and Pensions.

The project will ensure the women engage with support services in the community, connect with potential employers or training opportunities and assist them in securing accommodation on release from prison. These are all key factors to reducing reoffending.

Greater Manchester launches online resource to protect young people

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester has supported the launch of an online Home Learning Resource aimed at protecting nine to eleven-year-old children from abuse and exploitation.

Developed by local theatre company GW Theatre, Mr Shapeshifter is a modern fairy tale about the way some adults abuse the trust of children and how children can work together and with trusted adults to protect themselves.

In response to the pandemic and closure of schools, an online Home Learning Resource has been developed.

Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes said: "Sexual exploitation and abuse of children is abhorrent. Children have the right to be protected from harm and it is important that they learn when the behaviour of another person is wrong.

"The Mr Shapeshifter play and new online resources are a really helpful way to help children learn about children about these issues and the interactive basis means that it is done in a way they can understand and which involves their parents and carers.

"I am pleased to continue supporting this key piece of work to protect our young people from serious issues such as child sexual exploitation as we all work through COVID-19 together."??

Cambs Youth Panel secures laptops for young people during lockdown

A panel of young people formed three years ago in East Cambridgeshire to forge stronger relationships within their communities has been working tirelessly throughout lockdown to secure laptops for young people to continue their studies.

To date,?Cambs Youth Panel?has raised and spent ?30,000 on computing equipment for young people in Cambridgeshire and across England. They estimate that they will have distributed over 600 devices by the end of their latest round of deliveries.

Established in June 2016 with support from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the youth panel meets on a monthly basis to advise Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the Acting Commissioner and Cambridge City Council on a number of emerging issues for young people across the county.

Surrey builds more refuge accommodation for families escaping domestic abuse

A?partnership between Surrey County Council and other organisations including the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Surrey have worked at pace with partners to provide more emergency refuge accommodation for families escaping domestic abuse.

Over the course of six weeks, the partnership identified an unused property in the county and developed it into extra refuge capacity. The building will provide space for seven families, with the scope to increase this up to eighteen families in the future.