OPINION - Suffolk remains one of the safest places to live
I am delighted to announce the appointment of my deputy chief constable, Eamonn Bridger, who will be taking over this role when Rob Jones retires in September.
This followed a rigorous application process.
Eamonn is currently the assistant chief constable and has been in this post for four years.
I look forward to continuing to work with Eamonn over the coming months.
The constabulary is inviting applications all year round for its police constable programmes, with regular cohort intakes.
Aspiring officers have two pathways to choose from.
The Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) is for those seeking a Level 6 qualification and culminating in a BSc (Hons) in Professional Policing Practice.
Alternatively, the Police Constable Entry Programme (PCEP) provides a non-degree route, focusing on developing essential policing skills through a blend of classroom-based and hands-on learning over two years.
Committed to fostering a diverse workforce, Suffolk Constabulary welcomes applicants with varied skills and experiences.
For more information on these pathways, please visit www.suffolk.police.uk/police-forces/suffolk-constabulary/areas/careers/join-us/police-officers.
It was lovely to meet with Suffolk's new High Sheriff Gulshan Kayembe last month.
My colleague Eamonn attended the initial swearing-in ceremony at Ipswich Crown Court.
This historic role has a very modern purpose in recognising, supporting and encouraging all those who work in the legal system and emergency services, and I look forward to working closely with Gulshan, who will be visiting various departments within the Constabulary throughout the next year.
Last month, I made mention of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, where the government has confirmed the additional 13,000 police officers and police community support officers coming into UK police forces within the next 12 months.
The Home Office are investing additional spending in each force, and we are working in partnership with the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner to develop a delivery plan which will support all of the pillars which make up the Guarantee.
Suffolk's community policing structure is already aligned well with the underpinning concepts of the neighbourhood guarantee, and we will continue to ensure this area of policing remains a high priority across the county.
The Crime and Policing Bill is currently at committee stage within the Commons and, if passed, contains legislation and powers surrounding ASB, retail crime and public order which will support the implementation of the guarantee.
Now some more great news – Suffolk remains one of the safest places to live, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently.
The total recorded crime covering the 12 months to the end of December 2024 show that there were 58.1 crimes per 1,000 people, a decrease of 3.8% compared to the previous 12 months.
Knife crime saw a drop of over 20%, while public order, stalking and harassment, robbery, drug offences, violence against the person, criminal damage, and possession of weapons also saw drops in recorded crime, compared to the previous 12-month period.
It means Suffolk remains ranked third for the lowest levels of recorded crime in England and Wales.
Five years ago, Suffolk was in 13th position in terms of its crime levels.
To see us rated third once again for a third consecutive period shows a strong sense of stability and very productive and successful working.
We have always been proud of having strong community links with our public in Suffolk, and the introduction of our new policing model in December 2023 has strengthened this relationship.
Over the past year, the response from community leaders and residents has, on the whole, been very supportive, well-received and positive, which is really encouraging to hear, and I thank you all for your support.
I would also like to thank my officers, staff and volunteers for their continuing hard work and commitment.
Finally, I am looking forward to coming to the Suffolk Show at the end of this month – it is always such a lovely occasion, bringing together the public of Suffolk.
There will be an opportunity for you to meet with myself and the Police and Crime Commissioner between 10.30am and 11.30am on the Wednesday, and the deputy chief constable Rob Jones and the Police and Crime Commissioner on the Thursday.
Please do come and say hello, and let's keep everything crossed for some good weather.
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