Public urged to tell police what they want

Cheshire′s Chief Constable Simon Byrne and Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer are inviting members of the public to tell them what they want from the police at a series of engagement events across Cheshire.

The ‘Working Together′ events will take place in colleges, universities and venues across nine of the county′s biggest towns. The idea is to allow the community to speak to neighbourhood officers to discuss localised crime and disorder issues, ideas and priorities, as well as receiving crime prevention advice and information before joining with stakeholders from the local area to hear the strategic vision from Mr Byrne and Mr Dwyer.

It is hoped that by working together, the police and the public can improve the service the Force provides, and ensure it is meeting the needs of the communities it serves. Members of the audience will also be asked to vote on policing priorities for their town or area.

And in a first for Cheshire Constabulary, you can participate from the comfort of your living room as each meeting will be webcast live. Viewers at home will be able to log onto the Cheshire Police website from around 7pm and act as they would if there in person, asking questions and voting on priorities via email or Twitter using the #WTmacclesfield hashtag.

Mr Byrne said: “The Constabulary has conducted events like these in the past, but not on this scale. You can have your input like never before – not only can you ask live questions, both in person or online, but you can directly influence policing priorities in your area.

“We want to hear from you to tell us what you want from your police force, and these events provide a terrific opportunity for you to do that.”

Mr Dwyer added: “I am dedicated to bringing the communities of Cheshire and the police closer together. These consultation events will allow the public to ask questions of me and of the Chief Constable and influence the policing priorities in their area.

“I′d encourage everyone to take part in these very innovative, informative and impactive events.”

There will be a Working Together event taking place at Macclesfield Academy in Park Lane, Macclesfield on Monday, November 3 from 6.30—8pm. To ask questions in advance, or for further details on the event, email working.together@cheshire.pnn.police.uk