Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has taken her Police and Crime Plan consultation to passengers on the Tyne and Wear Metro system.
When elected, Ms Baird stated that she wanted to involve all communities in the formation of her Police and Crime Plan – which will direct the priorities of Northumbria Police for the next five years.
On Thursday 10 January, Ms Baird met Metro passengers at Gateshead Interchange and Monument Metro Station in Newcastle city centre.
Ms Baird said: “The Metro system has thousands of people passing through its stations every day from communities right across Tyne and Wear. It is an excellent way for me to meet people and find out what their priorities for the Police and Crime plan would be.”
As part of the consultation process Ms Baird will be visiting workplaces, sixth forms, shopping centres and undertaking walkabouts. There is also an online consultation form which is currently running at www.surveymonkey.com/s/northumbria_pcc
Ms Baird added: “This consultation will help decide the priorities that Northumbria Police focus on, so far I know that anti-social behaviour, alcohol related crime and violence against women are areas that residents raise with me quite often, but I’m sure there will be others. I would urge all residents to get in touch with me via the online questionnaire to have their say.
“I thank Nexus and DBTW for allowing me to meet with Metro passengers. They are committed to keeping the Metro system safe and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”
Director General of Nexus, Bernard Garner, said: “We have a strong working relationship with the police which means that crime levels on Metro remain low. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s visit was a great opportunity for her to speak to passengers about a whole range of policing issues in the local community.”