December 27, 2012 10.25 am This story is over 144 months old

Reflections 2012: Together we can make a difference in policing

Alan Hardwick: Police and Crime Commissioner refuses to be daunted by the fact that the Government is calling for more spending cuts.

The past few weeks since my election as your first Police and Crime Commissioner have been rewarding and challenging in equal measure. I confidently expect that to be the pattern for 2013 and beyond, and I relish the opportunity to work for you — alongside the Chief Constable — to deliver efficient and effective policing.

I said in the run-up to the election that I believe the best way to target resources is to ask you for your opinions, problems and suggestions, because no-one knows their own community better than the people who live there. I wanted you to tell me how we could the job better, and I’m delighted that so many of you have contacted me directly. This sort of meaningful communication – with no bureaucracy to get in the way – can only be good for Lincolnshire.

I’ve done my best to visit as many parts of the county as possible to talk with groups and individuals, including volunteers, police officers and staff. My schedule for the New Year is already busy because I plan to travel many more miles to many more meetings.

An early priority for 2013 is to complete a policing and crime plan that will give you confidence in the future. And I refuse to be daunted by the fact that the Government is calling for more spending cuts. I am confident that we can maintain the strength of front line policing, while increasing the visibility of PCSOs, officers and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

As Commissioner I am responsible for the totality of policing in Lincolnshire. My experience so far tells me that, far from being an onerous task, it offers many opportunities to help transform policing. However, success depends to a great extent on your help and support. Together we can make a difference.

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Before being elected as Commissioner in 2012, Mr Hardwick worked as a communications professional on newspapers, radio, television and latterly with Lincolnshire Police Authority. Throughout his career, he built up a wide experience of police and policing in the UK. He is passionate about Lincolnshire and about ensuring – with the Chief Constable – the effectiveness and efficiency of a force that has recently been praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Prime Minister.