In the know

Have your say on policing where you live as Policing Your Community roadshow returns this month

Do you want a chance to have your say on policing where you live? 

Surrey residents will have the opportunity to put their questions and comments to Surrey Police’s Chief Constable Tim De Meyer and Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend to the Chief Constable when a series of public engagement events returns this month.

The Policing Your Community roadshow will begin its tour of the county in Guildford on Monday, September 23.

Events will take place in all 11 boroughs in the county during the autumn and winter before a final meeting takes place online in January.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable will be joined at each event by the Borough Commander responsible local policing in that area.

Hundreds of people attended last year’s event to learn more about the policing operations taking place where they live and how police resources are being used both visibly – and behind the scenes – to boost the fight against crime in Surrey.

Lisa is also preparing to launch the public consultation for her Police and Crime Plan, which will help shape the future of policing in Surrey. She wants to hear the public’s view on what the priorities should be for Surrey Police over the next four years. 

The in-person events will run from 6.30pm-8pm, while the online event takes place between 6pm and 7.30pm. All are free to attend, but those who wish to join are urged to register their attendance by selecting the link for their local event below:

September 23 – Merrist Wood College, Worplesdon, Guildford

October 7 – Banstead Community Centre, Reigate and Banstead

October 14 – Spelthorne Borough Council, Spelthorne

October 22 – Therfield School, Leatherhead, Mole Valley

October 29 – The Arc, Caterham, Tandridge

November 4 – Community and Wellbeing Centre, Epsom and Ewell

November 11 – Greenfield School, Woking

November 18 – Imber Court Sports Club, East Molesey, Elmbridge

November 25 – The Village Centre, Englefield Green, Runnymede

December 2 – Frimley Community Centre, Frimley, Surrey Heath

December 11 – Haslemere Museum, Haslemere, Waverley 

The virtual event will take place on January 13 and will be screened live on Facebook.

Lisa, who was re-elected by Surrey residents earlier this year, said: “I’m delighted to announce the return of the Policing Your Community events, which offer residents the opportunity to learn more about what our policing teams are doing to tackle crime where they live.

“Listening to the views of local people is at the heart of my role, and strengthening the relationships between Surrey Police and residents is a key priority. So do please come along and have your say about policing in your local community.”

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer said: “Surrey Police is determined to fight crime and protect people, to be there when we are needed and to earn public trust.

“These events enable me to listen to the people of Surrey and understand if we are achieving what we aim to do. It was a pleasure to meet so many people last year and learn about the concerns relating to crime and policing in their neighbourhoods. 

“The feedback we received is reflected in the local policing plans which address the things that matter most in our communities.  

“I am really looking forward to joining the Police & Crime Commissioner on these visits to listen and talk to people in the areas where they live and work.”

For more information, or to sign up to an event, visit www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/