The Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Gary Godden – has outlined an ambitious Police and Crime Plan for 2024-29.
This draft version of the plan will be discussed and likely ratified at the meeting of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Panel on 16 September 2024.
The plan sets the policing and crime reduction priorities for the county over the next five years. The draft plan, which is currently under consultation, has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from local residents, partner organisations, and the police force itself.
Public Engagement and Support
More than 2,000 local residents have been involved in shaping the plan through online surveys, face-to-face interviews, and community events. Feedback indicates strong public backing for the PCC’s proposed objectives. Of those surveyed, 82% of residents, 97% of partner agencies, and 73% of police officers expressed agreement with the priorities laid out in the plan.
The survey, which received 638 responses, found that the top three priorities among residents are neighbourhood policing (41%), improving police response and investigations (41%), and tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) (39%). Similarly, partner agencies and police officers cited early intervention, violence against women and girls, and improving neighbourhood policing as their main concerns.
While the majority are in favour, a small number (4%) of residents raised concerns, suggesting the plan might be overambitious or lacking in detail about how its objectives will be achieved. One resident commented: “Agree with what is on paper but if it was less things most of them might get done.”
Tackling Key Issues
The draft plan proposes several key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress, including public confidence in the police, the visibility of officers in high-need areas, and the effectiveness of tackling local issues. Other critical metrics will focus on victim satisfaction, youth justice, and handling of 999 and 101 emergency calls.
In particular, the plan focuses heavily on combating violent crime, including knife crime, and improving outcomes for victims of violence against women and girls. The importance of supporting victims and early intervention to prevent crime were also highlighted as vital components.
Priorities Shaped by the Community
Throughout the consultation process, local concerns regarding rural crime, road safety, and drug use emerged. Rural crime was flagged by 6% of residents, and 4% emphasised the need for better road safety measures, particularly in tackling speeding. Issues around illegal e-scooters, off-road bikes, and drug use were also common themes in feedback gathered at various community events, such as Hemlock Happening and Nottingham Carnival.
Respondents with disabilities, consulted by Mencap, stressed the need for a more inclusive approach to policing, calling for better engagement between police and social workers and more awareness of how to report issues like violence against women and girls.
Collaborative Effort
The draft plan has not only been shaped by the public but also through significant engagement with key stakeholders, including the Safer Nottinghamshire Board, the Nottingham Criminal Justice Board, and various regional bodies. Discussions are ongoing, and further consultation is planned for later this year, ensuring the plan is reflective of local needs.
The PCC’s approach is grounded in evidence from a variety of sources, including the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Needs Assessment 2023, force management strategies, and inspectorate reports. Additionally, the plan aligns with broader government initiatives and local authority strategies.
Moving Forward
As the consultation continues, the PCC aims to finalise the plan in time for a more detailed review in November 2024, with the goal of having the final version ready for implementation early in 2025. Once approved, progress against the plan will be monitored annually through delivery plans and published for public scrutiny.
The PCC stated, “This plan is an essential framework for ensuring Nottinghamshire remains a safe and vibrant place to live. It reflects the views of the public and partners alike and ensures that we continue to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.”
Public confidence, transparency, and a focus on victim support will remain central to the strategy, as the police force aims to deliver on its promises and continue improving public safety across Nottinghamshire.
Gary Godden – Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Gary Godden was elected Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2024.
Having lived in Nottinghamshire for 25 years, and spending 15 years as a police officer within Nottinghamshire Police, Gary has a good understanding of the policing service and the different communities of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
This included working as part of the Vanguard Plus team – a multi-agency team tackling serious crimes like gun, gang and knife violence, and working closely with the most vulnerable people in our communities. This experience influenced Gary to make a difference not only in the police but it also broadened his perspective, leading him into politics.
Gary’s career has also involved working in the NHS, including most recently as Assistant Head of the Graduate Management Training Scheme at NHS England, where he built experience of compassionate leadership and partnership working.
In his earlier life, Gary grew up in Barnardo’s care homes until he was adopted by his parents at the age of seven. After finding his way in life, his desire grew to make a positive impact on his community.
Gary describes himself as passionate about building public trust and confidence in Nottinghamshire Police and ensuring the service is the best it can be.
His priorities for his term in office also include tackling knife crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls, as well as enhancing high-visibility neighbourhood policing, tackling speeding and making our roads safer.
Gary says he is also committed to being accessible to the public and open and transparent in his work in representing the people of Nottinghamshire.
