Views of public to shape plan for tackling crime and keeping West Yorkshire safe

16 July 2024

Views on the policing issues that matter most to West Yorkshire communities will help shape a new plan on tackling crime and keeping the region safe. 

Following her re-election in May, Mayor Tracy Brabin has started work on a second Police and Crime Plan, which will set out her priorities and the direction of West Yorkshire Police over the next four years.  

She is encouraging members of the public to have their say on all policing issues during the consultation, which launched today (Tuesday 16 July). 

In particular she wants to hear views on serious violence after promising to tackle it as part of her election manifesto and her pioneering work on eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls, which will continue.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “One of my top priorities is to ensure we have a safer, fairer region.

“This can only be achieved if we listen to all our communities and put their voices at the heart of our work to drive long-lasting change across all our policing services.  

“Your views will be crucial in shaping my new Police and Crime Plan and focusing our efforts to where they are most needed.” 

Members of the public can fill in an online survey or share their views via email, phone or in person. 

The new plan will build on the projects carried out during the Mayor’s first term such as continuing pioneering work on eradicating violence against women and girls, alongside working with the new government to reinvigorate neighbourhood policing, bringing together local criminal justice partners and introducing vital new services for young people so they feel seen and heard. 

It will also look to include a spotlight on Serious Violence following the Mayor’s pledge to deliver a dedicated strategy co-produced with West Yorkshire communities. A call for evidence will run alongside the consultation and the results will feed directly into the new Police and Crime Plan. 

This week starts off an intensive period of engagement where team members will be out and about speaking to the public at events held across the region’s five districts. 

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, added: “We’re committed to going above and beyond to make this consultation as inclusive as we can and hearing from the widest range of respondents as possible. 

“I’d encourage all our communities to have their say as the views we receive will be pivotal in securing policing services that work for everybody. 

“We are especially keen to hear from individuals and communities affected by serious violent crime, particularly those who feel underrepresented or unheard.” 

Once the consultation has closed all of the responses will be analysed and used to shape the new Police and Crime Plan, which is one of the Mayor’s statutory responsibilities to produce. 

The consultation will run until October 31. To take part visit https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/police-and-crime-plan