Services help cut crime and support victims

AS Police and Crime Commissioner, it will be no surprise that commissioning is a part of my role. In simple terms, this means deciding how money from the government is used to provide services that support victims of crime and fund activities that help to reduce and prevent crime. Commissioning isn’t just about spending money, it's a process. It involves understanding what is needed, planning services to meet those needs, and ensuring the services deliver the right outcomes. Here's how it works:

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1. Assessing needs

The process starts with looking at data: local crime statistics, health reports, and national research. But data alone isn’t enough. My team and I talk to partners like the police, councils, and organisa-tions working in our communities. We also listen to the people who use these services. What do they want? What works for them?

2. Setting priorities

With the needs identified, my team looks for where we can make the most impact. This highlights the best areas to focus on, such as reducing violent crime, supporting victims of domestic abuse, or preventing antisocial behaviour.

3. Planning services