Last chance to help shape the future of South Yorkshire Police

MORE than 3,000 people have told South Yorkshire Police how they want to see policing improved as part of the force’s review – and there is still time to take part.
Members of the public with Chief Con Stephen Watson at an engagement eventMembers of the public with Chief Con Stephen Watson at an engagement event
Members of the public with Chief Con Stephen Watson at an engagement event

The public consultation, which started in April and ends next week, can be completed online or members of the public can attend meetings and drop-in sessions.

So far, 12 events have been held across the county including at Rotherham College and the Unity Centre which were hosted by members of the force’s senior leadership team.

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The online survey has currently been completed by 3,245 people and tackling anti-social behaviour is high on people's agenda.

Chief Supt Scott Green, who is leading the review, said: “I encourage members of the public to attend one of our roadshows or fill in the online survey to have their say on policing in their neighbourhood.

“Once our initial consultation is complete, the force will analyse results closely so we can design and deliver a neighbourhood policing model which addresses points raised by the public, helping us to provide a service which is suited to the needs of our communities.”

In the first round of events Chief Con, Stephen Watson, visited Mexborough, Hexthorpe, Maltby, Rotherham, Burngreave, central Sheffield, Penistone and Barnsley. 

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So far, 44 per cent of people who attended the roadshows said confidence in the police force could be improved by providing a more visible policing presence, while 35 per cent said reducing crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) would improve their confidence.

Thirty-six per cent said they wanted more personal interaction with the force and 36 per cent said they wanted to meet police at drop-in sessions.

Out of the people who have completed the survey online, 42 per cent said better visibility would improve their confidence, 50 per cent said they wanted to communicate face-to-face while 12 per cent preferred to communicate on social media.

Across the county, ASB was the top priority for 37 per cent of respondents at roadshows and online.

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To complete the survey, which is open until July 21, click here.

The remaining engagement events are as follows:

Wednesday, July 12, 10.30am – Barnsley Disability Forum, King Street Flats, Waltham Street

Wednesday, July 19, 6pm – Pakistan Muslim Centre, Woodbourn Road, Sheffield

Thursday, July 20, 6pm – Madina Masjid, Wolseley Road, Sheffield