Authority News

Norfolk Police Authority regularly updates media outlets on the latest news from the Authority, ranging from funding and finances to plans and priorities.

Please click on a category heading to see a list of all news articles relating to that category.

To see other police related news please go to Norfolk Constabulary's website at www.norfolk.police.uk.

Collaboration »

1. Collaboration for Norfolk and Suffolk Police Support Functions

   Norfolk and Suffolk Police Authorities have approved plans to collaborate the majority of police support functions, resulting in at least £9.8 million in savings across both forces within four years. The Business Support Review (BSR) was approved by Suffolk Police Authority on Friday 29 October and by Norfolk Police Authority on Monday 1 November.

   Approval of the plans is an important step in creating a shared support function for both forces and providing services to collaborative units, as well as retaining separate frontline policing teams. The plans are in keeping with the Government’s drive to encourage more collaboration across the police service.

   To read more about the Business Support Review (BSR), click the above link.

2. Norfolk/Suffolk Collaboration

   The Authorities and Constabularies for both policing areas have now signed formal agreements to collaborate in Special Branch, Economic Crime and Dedicated Sources.  These agreements follow on from agreements signed in 2009 on the creation of a joint Major Investigation Team and (with Cambridgeshire) a joint Witness Protection Unit.

   To learn more about the Norfolk and Suffolk Preferred Police Partnership Collaboration Strategy, please click here

3. Collaboration Strategy Published

   The six Police Forces and Police Authorities from the Eastern Region have published their Collaboration Strategy to cover 2009-12.

   To view the Strategy, click the above link.

Finance »

1. Have your say on Norfolk's policing budget

   Norfolk Police Authority is holding its annual public budget consultation meeting on Thursday 19 January 2012 to discuss the police budget for 2012/13 and the impact of spending proposals on your Council Tax. If you are interested in attending or would like to register a question to be answered at the meeting, please click 'read more'.

   To view the slides presented at the Budget Consultation Meeting and the Notes of the Meeting, click here

2. Inspection of Statement of Accounts

   The audit of accounts of the Norfolk Police Authority for the financial year ended 31st March 2011 has been concluded.

   You can find out more about how you can inspect these accounts or obtain copies within this article.

3. Audit of Accounts Year Ended 31st March 2011

   The Authority's accounts are subject to external audit but members of the public and local government electors have certain rights in the audit process.

   You can find out more about the process in this article.

4. Norfolk Police Authority agrees Budget for 2011/12

   On 15 February 2011, Norfolk Police Authority agreed an overall revenue budget of £148,620,168. Despite facing a £25 million financial deficit over the next four years, there will be no change to Council Tax rates, at least for the coming 12 months. There will, however, be a reduction in officer, Police Community Support Officer and support staff numbers over the immediate and following three financial years.

5. Invitation Letter - Budget Consultation.pdf (PDF) 1604kb
   

   Norfolk Police Authority invites you to attend their Annual Public Meeting to discuss the Police budget and the subsequent impact it will have on the council tax precept for the financial year 2010/2011.  The meeting is taking place on:

   Thursday 21st January 2010

   at Police Headquarters, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase, Wymondham

   Beginning at 7 p.m.

   To view a copy of the invitation letter, please click the above link.

   Should you wish to attend this meeting, please contact us on 01953 424455or via email policeauthority@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

   In the event that you are unable to attend the meeting, but wish to raise your views on this matter, please complete the reply slip (available here) and return to us either via policeauthority@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or via the post.

6. Statement of Accounts 2008-2009 and Summarised Accounts 2008-2009

   The Statement of Accounts and the Summarised Accounts, covering period 2008-2009, have today been published.  To view the Statement of Accounts, please click here and to view the Summarised Accounts, please click here.

7. Police Authority delivering value for money policing – £3.57 a week for households at Band D

   At its budget meeting on Thursday (19/02/09) the Norfolk Police Authority (NPA) agreed to a revenue budget of £142.67m for Norfolk Constabulary for the coming financial year. This takes the police element of Council Tax (CT) for the average Band D property to £185.58 (currently £178.56) per annum.

8. Public Praise Constabulary's Achievements

   Norfolk Police Authority (NPA) was thanked for, and the Constabulary has won praise for, its commitment to the local community during an annual budget meeting.

Hot Topic »

1. Anti-Social Behaviour

   The Members of the Police Authority would like to know whether you feel Anti-Social Behaviour is a problem in your area. We would like to hear about your experiences of ASB and reporting incidents to the police. Police Authority Members regularly review crime and disorder statistics and police performance - your comments will contribute to this work.

Inspection »

1. Challenge Programme puts Norfolk’s Police Service in Strong Position

   The Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and subsequent funding cuts resulted in a huge financial challenge for Norfolk’s Police Service in realising up to £24.5 million of savings over the four years to 2014/15. Norfolk’s response to the budget cuts -  The Challenge Programme - has been described in an HMIC inspection report released today (21/7) as ‘exemplary’.

2. Norfolk Police Authority responds to HMIC call for police authorities to step up to budget challenges

   Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC) has published its report from the inspection of 22 of the 43 police authorities in England and Wales. Within that report, the HMIC calls for police authorities to rise to the challenges of budget cuts, stating that ‘few authorities are well positioned or well prepared to do what is needed’.

   Norfolk Police Authority was not one of the 22 authorities inspected. The Authority had expected an HMIC visit during Autumn 2010, but with the arrival of the Coalition Government came a halt on the inspection programme. The lack of formal inspection has not, however, meant the Authority has become complacent. Its self-assessment and improvement processes have been continued to ensure it, unlike the majority of the HMIC-inspected authorities, is in a strong position to meet the challenges ahead.

   The Chairman of the Authority, Stephen Bett said: ‘We have long anticipated that the financial bubble would burst, and have taken steps over a number of years to significantly reduce the cost of policing in Norfolk'

   To read more, click the above link

Performance »

1. Home Office figures show Norfolk is England’s safest county

   The latest statistics released by the Home Office show that Norfolk is the safest county in England with a crime rate of 50 crimes per 1,000 against a national average of 66 crimes. The statistics, which cover the 12-month period to September 2011, show that crime in Norfolk has decreased by a further 1% (compared to Home Office figures at September 2010) - a reduction of 414 crimes from 42,697 to 42,283.

2. HMIC Crime and Policing Comparator Launched

   Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has launched its ‘Crime and Policing Comparator’.
   The online tool enables the public to compare crime, quality of service, cost and workforce data across different police forces.

3. Police Authority publishes its Annual Report

   Each year, Norfolk Police Authority publishes a report of the work it has undertaken during the previous 12 months. The newly-published Annual Report for 2010/11 includes details of how the Authority has steered the strategic direction of policing in Norfolk, driven improvements in the performance of the county's police force, and been a key player in facing significant challenges and preparing for unprecedented change.

4. Norfolk Police Authority completes Annual Self-Assessment Process

   For the past four years, Norfolk Police Authority has assessed itself using the Association of Police Authorities' (APA) self-assessment tool “Police Authority Self Assessment” (PASA) to identify strengths and highlight areas for improvement based on the criteria of a ‘model police authority’.  The outcomes of the assessment are now available to view on our website, and resulting actions will be incorporated into Norfolk Police Authority's Corporate Business Plan, to be published later this month. 

5. Police Target-Setting for 2011/12 Begins

   One of the key tasks for the Norfolk Police Authority is to set local policing priorities for the Chief Constable and the Constabulary for the year ahead. Priorities and targets are published in the Local Policing Plan, following a comprehensive process to ensure that the priorities being set by the Authority and agreed by the Chief Constable reflect Norfolk’s policing needs.

   Targets can help drive improvements in performance.  However, for next year, 2011/12, this will be especially difficult as public sector cuts will seriously affect the police budget.

   To read more about the police target-setting process, please click the headline above.

6. Norfolk Constabulary achieves 'good result' in HMIC Anti-Social Behaviour Inspection

   In Spring 2010, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) carried out a review of anti-social behaviour in England and Wales. This included asking victims about their experience of reporting ASB to the police, and inspecting the quality of the processes that forces use in tackling and responding to the problem.

   To read the report from the inspection of Norfolk Constabulary, please click here

7. Removal of National Targets for Policing

   At the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) conference held at the end of June 2010, the Home Secretary announced the immediate removal of the single confidence target for the police and the Policing Pledge.

8. Local Confidence Data Results

   A new survey has shown that over two thirds of Norfolk residents are confident that police and local councils are tackling anti-social behaviour and crime.

   One of Norfolk Constabulary’s and, indeed all other Constabularies, targets is around the confidence of local residents. To understand Norfolk resident’s confidence, a telephone survey is conducted throughout the year.

   Across all the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) districts in Norfolk, between 67 and 75% of residents questioned agreed that the police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in their area.

   Norfolk Constabulary has pledged to increase public confidence, increase the satisfaction of our customers and reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime.

   Commenting on the figures announced today, Chief Superintendent Bob Scully from Citizen Focus said: “Our officers continue to work with their local councils to keep Norfolk safe and to reduce the crime and anti-social behaviour in their area. 

   "We want to be able to make an exceptional quality of life available for everyone in Norfolk and to achieve such an increase in confidence we will work to maintain and improve our local services even further."

   To view the results, please click here

Police and Crime Commissioners »

1. Financial Management Code of Practice published

   The Financial Management Code of Practice for the police service has been presented to Parliament. The Code is the last of three key documents which make up the framework for new policing accountability arrangements coming into force in November 2012. The other two documents - the Policing Protocol and Strategic Policing Requirement - were published at the end of 2011.

2. Could you be Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner?

   On 15 November 2012, the public will vote for Norfolk's first Police and Crime Commissioner. The individual elected as PCC will take over from the members of Norfolk Police Authority and be accountable for how crime is tackled in the county. For those considering standing for election, the Home Office has published a guide to the PCC role entitled 'Police and Crime Commissioners: Have you got what it takes?'       

3. Policing Protocol and Strategic Policing Requirement Published

   The Government has published two of the three key documents which, in addition to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, will provide the framework for the new policing accountability arrangements coming into force from November 2012.

Police and Crime Commissioners (prior to enactment of PRSR Bill) »

1. Police Reform Bill receives Royal Assent

   The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which includes proposals for the replacement of police authorities with an elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for each police force area, today received Royal Assent. The first elections will be held in November 2012.

    

2. Police Commissioner proposals await Royal Assent following Lords debate

   On 14 September 2011, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which includes proposals to replace police authorities with directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners, returned to the House of Lords. Deliberation by Peers resulted in all Bill amendments proposed by MPs being accepted, including the reinstatement of plans for elected Police Commissioners which had been removed in a previous Lords debate. 

3. Norfolk County Council opposed to Police Commissioner proposals

   Norfolk County Council believes the county does not need an elected Police and Crime Commissioner to oversee the work of Norfolk Constabulary, and the cabinet plans to write to Home Secretary Theresa May to highlight its opposition to the proposals set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.

4. MPs agree to delay Police Commissioner elections

   During further Commons debate of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill on 12 September, MPs agreed to the timescale for Police and Crime Commissioner elections being pushed back to 15 November 2012.

5. NPA Chairman backs APA response to Home Secretary criticism

   Norfolk Police Authority’s Chairman, Stephen Bett, has endorsed a letter responding to the Home Secretary’s recent criticism of police authorities for being "‘invisible"’ during wide-spread rioting. Mr Bett has called Theresa May's comments "utterly uncalled for" and evidence that "she really doesn't understand what police authorities do".

6. EDP profiles Norfolk's Members as Home Secretary describes Police Authorities as Unaccountable, Unelected and Invisible

   The front page of today's (18 August) Eastern Daily Press newspaper carries the pictures of Norfolk's Police Authority Members with the headline "If it isn't broken..." The message from the EDP - "These are the 17 Members of Norfolk's Police Authority, 'invisible, unelected and unaccountable' according to the Home Secretary. We believe they, and our chief constable, should be allowed to continue their good work." 

7. Eastern Daily Press Newspaper's Stance on Police Commissioner Proposals

   The Eastern Daily Press (EDP) newspaper has published an article with the message 'We do not need an elected leader of our constabulary'. Click here to read the EDP article.

8. Peers Block Police and Crime Commissioner Proposals

   The Government has suffered a defeat in the House of Lords over its proposals to replace police authorities with directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners. Peers backed a Liberal Democrat amendment by 188 votes to 176 to delete PCC proposals from the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill.

9. APA Responds to LibDem Call for Pilot of PCC Plans

   Liberal Democrat Peers have called for the Government to postpone the introduction of PCCs and pilot the plans for three years before implementing nationwide. In response to that call, the Association of Police Authorities (APA) has produced a briefing paper for Peers which outlines its concerns about the Bill proposals.

10. APA Response to The New Policing Landscape Consultation

    During March 2011, the Home Affairs Select Committee invited responses to its consultation on the proposals set out in the White Paper Policing in the 21st Century. These proposals include plans to replace police authorities with Police and Crime Commissioners, the decommissioning of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) and the introduction of a new National Crime Agency (NCA). This is the consultation submission from the Association of Police Authorities (APA).

11. Aims of and Concerns over PCC Proposals

    The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill is now completing its final stages in the House of Commons. There has been much debate over the Bill's proposals to replace police authorities with a directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner for each police force area from May 2012. Views have been mixed; some supporting the aims of the proposals to strengthen accountability for policing, and others expressing significant concerns about the planned changes.

    Norfolk Police Authority has produced a summary of some of the points made in the responses to the public consultation on the Bill, which ran during January and February 2011.  

12. Have your say on Police Reform Proposals

    During 2010, the Government published its Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill. The Bill's proposals include the replacement of police authorities with a directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for each police force area, with the aim of making the police service more accountable to the public.

    The next step for the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill is consideration by a Public Committee and, as part of that process, anyone with an interest in the Government's proposals is being invited to have a say.

13. Government Plans for Introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners Published

    The Government has today published its Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, the main principle of which is the appointment of directly-elected individuals to increase police accountability and allow a greater degree of public involvement in setting policing priorities. The Bill sets the platform for public elections for a Police and Crime Commissioner for each police force area to be held in May 2012. The Police and Crime Commissioner will replace police authorities, inheriting responsibility for holding the Chief Constable to account for the policing services delivered in the local area. A Police and Crime Panel made up of local authority representatives will oversee the work of the Commissioner.

    The Bill sets out details of arrangements for the transfer of responsibility from police authorities to the Police and Crime Commissioner. It is anticipated that it will be some months before the Act is passed by Parliament. The Authority will be closely following the Bill’s passage and, in due course, will begin making appropriate transitional preparations. At the current time, however, it remains business as usual for our Members who are committed to ensuring that Norfolk’s communities receive an efficient and effective police service.  

    To read the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, please click here.

Policies, Procedures, Plans and Reports »

1. NPA Equality Strategy Progress Report Published

   Norfolk Police Authority has published a report on progress made in the last six months against its Equality Strategy and associated action plan. The half-yearly report provides details of how the Authority is complying with its equality responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, and highlights the types of equality information published by the organisation.

2. Policing Summary is published

   Each year, police authorities are required by law to publish a Local Policing Summary to report back to communities on the performance of their police force during the previous 12 months. Norfolk Police Authority publishes its Local Policing Summary within the Autumn edition of Norfolk County Council's Your Norfolk magazine. Click the button below to access an electronic copy of the Local Policing Summary.

3. NPA publishes Legacy Timeline

   From supporting the roll-out of Neighbourhood Policing and funding Police Community Support Officers to increase visibility and public interaction, to lobbying MPs for a fairer funding deal and making difficult decisions in the face of 20% cuts, the Police Authority has faced many challenges and, quietly but effectively, driven significant improvements to Norfolk’s policing service since 1995.

4. Custody Visiting Annual Report

   Since 1998, volunteers from the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme have been calling unannounced and in pairs at Norfolk's custody facilities to check on the welfare of detainees. The Independent Custody Visitors have published their 2010/11 annual report which evidences the work they do to monitor the treatment of people in police custody on behalf of the wider community.

5. NPA Publishes Policing Plan for 2011/12

   The Police Authority has agreed with the Chief Constable the Local Policing Plan for 2011/12. 

   Members of the Authority's Performance and Engagement Committee adopted the Plan on behalf of the Authority at their meeting on 22 March 2011.

6. Norfolk Police Authority publishes Local Policing Summary for 2010

   The Authority has joined forces with Norfolk County Council to publish the Local Policing Summary for 2010 in the September edition of its ‘Your Norfolk’ magazine.

   The Local Policing Summary aims to report back to Norfolk’s communities on how well their police force has performed over the last year, as well as providing information about priority objectives set for the next 12 months. The Summary also highlights key Police Authority news, and opportunities to get involved and help shape the policing service received by the people of Norfolk.

   To read the Local Policing Summary for 2010, please click here

7. Making the Policing Plan for Norfolk more accessible

   With the help of Opening Doors, a Norfolk-based charity working with people with learning difficulties, the Police Authority has published an Easy Read version of this year's policing plan for Norfolk.

   The Easy Read Policing Plan combines words and pictures to make the key points of the Plan easier to understand for people with learning difficulties or those who may find it hard to read and understand English.

   To access the Easy Read version of the Policing Plan Summary, please click here.

   If you have any comments on the document, please contact the Police Authority.

8. Norfolk Police Authority produces summary version of its Policing Plan for Norfolk

   Norfolk Police Authority is the 'voice' of the people of Norfolk in ensuring that Norfolk Constabulary provides an efficient and effective local police service.  Each year, following extensive consultation with locally-elected representatives, communities and business people, Norfolk Police Authority agrees a Local Policing Plan, setting the objectives and priorities for Norfolk Constabulary.  A summary of the key points of Norfolk Police Authority's Local Policing Plan has been produced and is available by clicking here.

9. Custody Visitors Annual Report 2009/10

   The annual report on the work of Norfolk Police Authority’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme has now been published; and provides a valuable opportunity to inform and reassure the local community about how people are treated whilst in police custody.  Copies of the report are being circulated to, among others, local libraries and doctors surgeries, and it is available by clicking here

10. Norfolk Police Authority announce the latest iteration of the Long Term Estates Strategy

    Working with the professional estates staff in the Constabulary, the Capital Assets Committee have recently endorsed the 1st major update of the LTES launched back in 2004.  Following the appointment of Ian McPherson as its Chief Constable in December 2006, the Constabulary undertook a significant organisational review of its Estates Strategy. With the abolition of the former three Basic Command Units, the launch of the 52 Safer Neighbourhood Teams, and a smaller number of Response Policing Units, overseen by a single County Delivery Unit, the Authority revamped the guiding principles underlying the former Strategy, and the new Update reflects those changes.  Committee Chair, Lesley Jones, said “This is the next big step forward for the Authority in providing an appropriately modern, and sustainable estate that supports the police and essential support staff in delivering the best policing service for those that live in, work in, and visit Norfolk. I am confident that this will make our buildings fit to take us through the next 5 to 10 years with only modest adjustments along the way.”

    To view the latest document, click the above link.

11. Policing Plan 2009-2012

    Norfolk Police Authority and Norfolk Constabulary today launch the new Policing Plan for Norfolk.  The Plan covers the three year period 2009/10 to 2011/12.

    To view the Plan, click here

12. NPA Children Act 2004 Responsibilities (2008-09).pdf (PDF) 46kb
    

    Police Authorities have a duty under the Children Act 2004 to co-operate with the childrens services authority and to ensure that their own functions have regard to childre protection.  The Authority's Children Act 2004 Responsibilities Statement 2008/09 outlines how the Authority meetings the objectives of Every Child Matters, the national strategy to implement the provisions of the Act.

    To view the Statement, click the above link

13. Policing Plan 2008-11 - Performance and Delivery

    Linked to the Policing Plan 2008-11 - Priorities and Targets, this document, published today, gives the detailed background and context in which the targets for the next 3 years are determined and gives details on the previous year's performance.

    To view the Policing Plan 2008-11 - Priorities and Targets, click here

    To view the Policing Plan 2008-11 - Performance and Delivery, click here

14. Norfolk Police Authority Corporate Plan 2008/09

    Our Corporate Plan sets out the Authority's objectives for the forthcoming year and clearly demonstrates our commitment to continually improving our performance thus providing added value to the policing of Norfolk.   Read it by clicking here

Public Consultation »

1. Making Norfolk an Even Safer Place Together

   Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership is hosting a series of events, the first of which was held in Norwich on 24 October, for local people to have their say in making Norfolk an even safer place. 

   The report from the first Face the People event, which includes details of the questions asked by attendees and the issues they highlighted, has now been published.

2. Face the People event to take place on 24 October

   Members of the Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership will be 'facing the people' in Norwich on Monday 24 October 2011. The event aims to give local people the opportunity to ask questions of representatives from, among others, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Police and NHS Norfolk, and share their views on what they think the priorities should be for making Norfolk a safer place.

3. Consultation on Police Powers for Public Order

   The Home Office has launched a consultation on Police Powers for Public Order. The consultation, which runs until 13 January 2012, seeks to assess strength of views around Section 5 legislation which attracted criticism, particularly from Human Rights organisations, in the wake of the serious disorder which took place in August 2011.

4. Youth Parliament Members meet Chief Constable and Police Authority Chairman

   Members of Norfolk’s Youth Parliament (MYPs) held their July meeting at the offices of Norfolk Police Authority, before taking a tour of Norfolk Constabulary’s Control Room and Firearms Training Unit. Phil Gormley, Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary, asked the MYPs what they would do in his position to reduce the number of young people hurt or killed on our roads. To find out what the MYPs said, and have your say, click Read More.

5. Police and FSB Discuss Business Crime

   Members of the Norfolk Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) met with representatives from Norfolk Police on 21 June at an event hosted by Norfolk Police Authority.  The aim was to follow up on a similar Business Crime event held last year, to see what had taken place as a consequence, and to discuss new issues.  

6. Norfolk Police Disability Advisory Forum holds AGM

   On Friday 15 July, the Disability Forum held its Annual General Meeting at Norfolk Police Headquarters in Wymondham. The meeting, opened by Deputy Chief Constable Simon Bailey, was attended by the Forum’s members, along with invited guests from the Asperger’s Society, the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People and Opening Doors.

7. Event Report – Changes in Interpreting and Policing

   An Intran/ Cintra Policing Interpreter Personal Development and Engagement Event was held on Tuesday 28 June 2011 on the subject of 'Changes in Interpreting and Policing'. This event was supported by Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies and Police Authorities.

8. National Consultation on Policing Priorities

   The Home Affairs Committee, which is responsible for examining the work of the Home Office, has launched an online survey to explore public opinion on priorities for policing. 

   Given current financial constraints on policing, the Committee wants to hear from the public about areas of work they feel should be prioritised and which should come lower on the priority list.

9. Want to join our Virtual Community?

   If you would be happy to be contacted via email on a regular basis to share with us your views on the policing issues affecting your local community, please contact the Police Authority at:

   virtualcommunity@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

Recruitment »

1. Norfolk Police Authority announces Simon Bailey as new Deputy Chief Constable

   Simon Bailey, currently Assistant Chief Constable within Norfolk Constabulary, has been announced as the new Deputy Chief Constable, succeeding Ian Learmonth who left the Force to become Chief Constable of Kent in July 2010.  Mr Bailey will take up the position with immediate effect.

   Stephen Bett, Chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, said it was a tough competition but that the selection panel, made up of Authority Members, were unanimous in the decision.

   To read more, click the above link....

2. Independent Member Appointment

   Following the recent advertisement for two Independent Members to the Norfolk Police Authority, a Selection Panel, comprising two Independent Assessors and a Home Office Independent Assessor, considered all the applications received.  Having undertaken preliminary assessment interviews, they submitted a shortlist of 4 candidates to be considered.

   A final selection process was undertaken by a further Panel, comprising 3 Councillor Members and 2 Independent Members of the Authority.  All applicants were considered to be of a high quality but, having received ratification by the Full Authority, we can advise that with effect from 1st August 2010, the following have been appointed as Independent Members to serve on the Police Authority for a term of 4 years:

   Mr Amjad Malhis - Taverham

   Mrs Liz Ollier - Bawdeswell

Spending Challenge Information »

1. Authority endorses Constabulary's plans to help bridge £24.5m funding gap

   The Members of the Police Authority today (12 April) endorsed Norfolk Constabulary’s proposals to help bridge a £24.5 million funding gap. The Constabulary and the Authority have a robust plan in place which seeks to realise savings whilst having a minimal impact on local communities.

2. Local People Question Chief Constable and Chairman on Police Budget

   Norfolk Police Authority held its annual Public Budget Consultation meeting on Thursday 20th January. With no increase in this year’s policing council tax being proposed, public interest in the consultation was instead focussed on how the Government’s funding reductions would impact on policing in Norfolk. The meeting, attended by close to 100 members of the public, provided an opportunity for those present to ask the Chief Constable and Police Authority Chairman questions, and highlight the areas of policing most important to them.

3. Norfolk Police Authority's Annual Public Budget Meeting

   A public meeting will take place on Thursday 20th January 2011 to discuss how the Police Authority budget for 2011/12 will be spent to fund the policing services delivered in Norfolk, and the impact of spending proposals on the Council Tax paid by local people.

   For more information about the meeting, please click the headline above.

4. Norfolk Police Authority and Norfolk Constabulary respond to Home Office funding announcement

   Monday's announcement by the Home Office that Norfolk Police Authority will have its funding reduced for the next four years was within the range of expectation, following a 1% reduction already imposed by the Government last summer. 

   Government funding will be reduced by around 5% next year and by a further 6.5% in 2012/13, whilst funding in the two years beyond is likely to reduce by around a further 3%. 

   Both the Authority and the Constabulary have moved to reassure Norfolk's communities that, whilst reductions in service could not be avoided, they would continue to work together closely to minimise the impact of the reduction in grant.

   To read more, please click the headline above.

5. Authority Chairman and Chief Constable respond to Comprehensive Spending Review announcement

   Earlier today the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review and the funding cuts to be faced by the public sector to address the deficit. Chancellor Osbourne’s statement confirmed that policing budgets will fall by 4% year on year until 2014/15.

   In response to the announcement, the Chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, Stephen Bett, and Norfolk Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Phil Gormley, said:

   “Whilst noting today’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) announcement regarding the allocation for the national police budget, we remain uncertain as to the eventual impact on Norfolk of the Chancellor’s statement. We will need to understand the detail behind the headlines in order to assess what it will mean for policing in Norfolk."

   To read more, click the above link.

6. Police meet MPs to call for fair funding

   Today, representatives of the Police Authority, along with chief officers of Norfolk Constabulary, will meet with MPs to put forward their views on proposed policing funding cuts ahead of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review. In anticipation of the expected Government grant cuts, both the Authority and Constabulary are currently deliberating how they can save up to £35 million from their budget in four years.

   To read more, click the above link.

7. Letter to MP's and Parliamentary Brief.pdf (PDF) 670kb
   

   The Authority’s Chairman, Stephen Bett, and Chief Constable Phil Gormley have written a joint letter to all Norfolk MPs informing them of preparations to police the County with significantly fewer resources.

   As a result of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review - the outcomes of which are expected to be announced imminently - the Police Service is anticipating substantial budget cuts as the country struggles to meet the public sector deficit. The letter and accompanying brief for MPs sets out the steps already taken in Norfolk to improve the efficiency of local policing and the considerable achievements that have resulted. It also highlights the difficult decisions that will need to be taken by the Authority and Force when faced with an anticipated funding gap of around £35 million over the next four years. The Chairman and Chief Constable warn that, with a budget a £147 million, whilst the Authority and Constabulary are working hard to identify ways to reduce costs and maintain services, the significant cuts in funding will result in the loss of police officers, PCSOs and police staff and inevitably impact on frontline delivery of policing in the County.

   To read the joint letter to Norfolk MPs and the Parliamentary Brief, please click the above link.

    

Other »

1. Disability Advisory Forum nominated for National Diversity Award

   The Norfolk Police Disability Advisory Forum has been nominated for a National Diversity Award. The nomination for the Forum - a group of local people who offer Norfolk's police advice on the effects of crime and policing on disabled people - is in the category of Community Organisation for Disability. To find out how you can support this nomination, click 'read more'. 

2. Independent Advisory Group publishes Annual Report

   The Norfolk Independent Advisory Group (IAG) has published its Annual Report for 2011 ahead of its Annual General Meeting on 8 December 2011. The Annual Report feeds back to communities on how the members of the IAG have helped shape the policing service delivered in the county.

3. Independent Advisory Group announces date for AGM

   Norfolk's Independent Advisory Group (IAG) will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 8 December 2011 at 6.30pm. The Group, which offers advice to the police on the effects of policies and practices on communities, invites all those interested in finding out more about its role to the AGM at the UEA Sportspark.

4. Norfolk Black History Month 2011

   The programme for this year’s Black History Month has been launched. The Programme provides information on all of the events taking place during October 2011 to celebrate Black Excellence in the county.

   This event is supported by Norfolk Police Authority.

5. Appointment of Norfolk Officer to Assistant Chief Constable at Staffordshire Police

   Norfolk Constabulary is pleased to announce former Detective Chief Superintendent Julian Blazeby has been appointed as Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police. Staffordshire has revealed Mr Blazeby was selected from a strong field of candidates following a rigorous selection process undertaken by the Police Authority, which included a session with a Community Panel made up of representatives from the joint Authority and Force Citizen's Panel.

6. NOSCAs winners announced

   At a ceremony held in Norwich on 22 June, police officers, staff and members of the local community were formally recognised for their contribution to keeping Norfolk a safe county and improving the quality of life of those who live here. The NOSCAs – run by Norfolk Constabulary and funded entirely by sponsorship from partners – highlights the dedication and commitment of individuals and teams to making a difference in their local area.

7. Police Authority Backs Broadband Campaign

   At its April AGM, the Members of the Police Authority agreed to back the broadband campaign launched by the Eastern Daily Press newspaper and Norfolk County Council. 'Broadband: Back the Bid' is seeking to gather evidence of the economic benefit that the latest broadband technology would have on Norfolk to support a bid for funding.

8. NPA Support for Restorative Justice Call

   The Police Authority confirmed its support for calls to extend the use of Restorative Justice at its meeting today. The national call, launched in a letter from high-profile supporters to the Times newspaper, asks that ministers developing proposals for sentencing reform take into account evidence on restorative justice.

9. Norfolk's Custody Visitors Get Acquainted with New PICs

   Norfolk’s Independent Custody Visitors are working hard to familiarise themselves with the new custody facilities being rolled out as a result of a collaborative project between Norfolk and Suffolk Police Authorities/Constabularies.

10. New Public Enquiry Office Opening Hours

    The new opening hours for the 15 Public Enquiry Offices (police stations) across the county are available to view on the Norfolk Police website.

11. Vote for the Best Bobby on the Beat

    If you know of a local Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or Special Constabulary Officer with a special talent for solving problems and connecting with your community, give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a Norfolk Safer Community Award (NOSCA).

12. Disability Forum holds its Annual General Meeting

    The Norfolk Police Disability Advisory Forum welcomed the Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary, Mr Phil Gormley, to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Tuesday 13 July at the Constabulary’s Headquarters in Wymondham.

13. Metropolitan Police Authority appoints Ian McPherson

    Following the announcement by the Metropolitan Police Authority today (Wednesday) that they have appointed Norfolk Chief Constable Ian McPherson as Assistant Commissioner (Territorial Policing), Stephen Bett, chairman of Norfolk Police Authority commented:

    “Our congratulations go to Ian McPherson on this prestigious appointment.  Personally and professionally, I am very sorry to see him go – it is a case of London’s gain being Norfolk’s loss.”

    “He has worked very hard to set Norfolk Constabulary on the right course for policing in the coming years, anticipating exactly what was required and delivering so much more.  He will be a difficult act to follow.”

    “As a result of Ian’s vision and the efforts of the team he has built, Norfolk Constabulary is successfully re-positioned as a leader in the policing environment where the emphasis is on providing what residents want at a value for money price.”

    “He leaves Norfolk as the safest county in the country, having put 130 more officers on the beat, reduced response times and embedded neighbourhood policing.  Most importantly of all, he demonstrated that Norfolk people were his priority.”

    ” I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the Authority in wishing him well for the future.”

    Norfolk Police Authority’s chief executive, Chris Harding, said:

    “Ian McPherson has put Norfolk on the map and the task ahead is to consolidate all that has been achieved into a plan for the future.  The next chapter needs to be based on continual improvement in an increasingly difficult financial situation.”

    “The Authority will now begin the task of recruiting a successor who will build on the recent milestones, providing leadership, ambition and stability in the right measure to the team.”

14. Norfolk Chief Police Officer Bonuses - 2008/09

    Norfolk Police Authority confirms that ACPO chief officer bonuses for the financial year 2008/2009 total £33,000.  A spokesman said bonuses were for paid for exceptional local performance adding that it was inappropriate to discuss individual packages as these were personal contractual issues.

15. National spotlight on chief officer pay deals

    Norfolk Police Authority, have consistently said that the national pay scales for chief officers in Norfolk are not high enough to attract and retain high-calibre chief officers, have taken an opportunity to set out its views in a national arena.

     

16. Letter to Mr Morrison 13 05 09.pdf (PDF) 48kb
    

    Norfolk Police Authority expresses support for the single-unitary local government option in Norfolk.  To view the letter of support sent to the Boundary Commission, click the above link.

17. Total Members Allowances 08.09.pdf (PDF) 29kb
    

    A list of Members Allowances and Expenses received by each Member of Norfolk Police Authority during 2008/09 has now been published.  To view the summary, please click on the above link.

18. Policing Pledge - Norfolk Constabulary

    The Policing Pledge was announced by the Home Secretary at the end of 2008 and was adopted by every police force in the country.   The Pledge outlines a range of service standards that each force aims to achieve and sets out what you can expect from Norfolk Constabulary.

    To view the Pledge, visit http://www.norfolk.police.uk/articleListing.cfm?catID=911 and select The Norfolk Policing Pledge from the left hand menu.

    To view details of How offenders are dealt with (in association with Pledge 8 of the Norfolk Policing Pledge), visit http://www.safernorfolk.co.uk/misc/how-offenders-are-dealt-with

     

19. Norfolk Chief Police Officer Bonuses - 2007/08

    The Home Office introduced a bonus scheme for chief police officers in 2004.  Many police authorities, including Norfolk Police Authority, felt the process of bonuses was alien to policing as part of the public sector, and the Norfolk Police Authority still considers that the case.

    However, the scheme is a national scheme which the Authority has to take part in.  During the financial year 2006/07, the Authority awarded no bonuses to its chief police officers,  In 2008/09, a grand total of £25,601 was awarded to the four senior officers eligible for the awards.  This award was made by the Authority after careful consideration of the Constabulary's performance, and personal senior officer performance, during 2007/08.  Crime fell significantly during 2007/08 and the Constabulary completed a significant reorganisation to enhance safer neighbourhood policing.

20. 2007-03-06 Policing Values Statement_FINAL PDF.pdf (PDF) 1067kb
    

    Home Secretary has published the attached message to the police service on common values for the police service of England and Wales. The statement sets out what the police service can expect from Government, and what the public can expect from its police service. It captures the relationship and expectations that will shape the police service in the 21st Century.

21. Stopping the Public: Holding the Police to Account

    From April 1st 2005, police officers in Norfolk and across England will be required to record all stops, in addition to all stop and searches.