As 2017 draws to a close, I’m pleased to inform your readers of another year of positive work by the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel in scrutinising and supporting the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and upholding our shared goals – to keep the communities of Hampshire and Isle of Wight, safe.

Over the past year, our Panel has overseen a number of key announcements and projects to help meet the evolving challenges in our communities. Highlights have included approving the Commissioner’s proposed council tax precept so that an effective level of policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be maintained over the next financial year; and recommending a new Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer for the Commissioner’s office so that senior members of his team are in place to carry out vital roles.

A key part of our work has also involved taking a closer look at the crime and safety issues that our communities say matter to them, and on which the Commissioner has pledged to tackle. These have ranged from rural, and traffic related crime to cyber fraud. Our thanks go to all those residents and organisations that provided their valuable feedback to us during this process – enabling the Panel to gain a fuller picture of the impact of these issues on community life. The number and quality of responses has been particularly high this year - providing residents with a strong voice and enabling their views to help shape the Commissioner’s programme of work moving forward. As we develop our plans for 2018, and the topics we intend to examine further, I wholeheartedly encourage residents to continue to provide this crucial feedback.

On behalf of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, may I wish the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a very enjoyable and peaceful festive season, and a happy, and safe 2018.

Councillor David Stewart

Chairman of Hampshire Police and Crime Panel