Newsletter

June

2015

Tour de Yorkshire success

This was another very successful event which showcased to the world everything that Yorkshire has to offer.
The cycling was fantastic but it was the thousands of people who came out and watched or volunteered their
time and cheered everyone on that made it that extra bit special. I would also particularly like to praise the
police officers and PCSOs involved who really entered into the spirit of the event. The motorcycle out-riders
were 'high-fiving' spectators and the officers mingled in the crowds helping everyone to enjoy the day. Events
like this can't and won't happen without everyone, including key partners across the region pulling together to
do their bit and I would like to thank everyone who helped make it possible.
Find out more

Supporting Dementia Awareness Campaign

To coincide with Dementia Awareness Week, West Yorkshire
Police launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the
condition and promote closer working between police, those
with dementia and their carers. The Force has been putting
significant work into raising awareness amongst staff and officers
of what dementia is and best practice in dealing with people with
dementia since joining the Dementia Action Alliance earlier this
year. People with dementia are potentially vulnerable and need
treating with care, compassion and dignity. I was pleased to be
able to support the campaign and that West Yorkshire Police and
partners are doing what they can to ensure they understand the
individual needs of those with dementia.
Find out more

PCSO Gareth Price with a resident whose

husband has dementia

2m investment into body worn cameras

I have invested nearly 2m to allow West Yorkshire Police to buy body worn video cameras. Research has
shown their use can further improve integrity and the corroboration of evidence by acting as an 'independent
witness'. They have the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
The studies have also shown that body worn video cameras lead to an increase in early guilty pleas, which
would mean a reduction in the need for victims and witnesses in West Yorkshire to attend court.

New role to tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE)

Tackling CSE is one of the priorities I set out in my Police and
Crime Plan and I am pleased to have been able to provide an
extra 3.5m to tackle this deplorable crime as well as cyber crime
and human trafficking. After calling a meeting between
Safeguarding Experts I agreed to fund a proposal from the
Directors of Childrens Services which totalled 440,000 for
enhanced work on CSE in West Yorkshire. As part of this work,
Stuart Piper has now joined my team as a Safeguarding Coordinator and he will work with partners across West Yorkshire to
develop a strong and consistent approach to tackle CSE. His new
role will add to the strong team of people already looking at how
we can improve the way we deal with CSE.
Find out more

West Yorkshire Policing Awards 2015

West Yorkshire Police honoured its heroes at the annual awards
ceremony last month. Among the exceptional performances
recognised were PC Richard Whiteley and PC Suzanne Hudson who
won my Employee of the Year Award. Richard and Suzanne attended a
routine call in Leeds which had devastating consequences. Richard
acting without any regard for his own safety, challenged an armed
suspect and provided first aid to a colleague in need. Since this
incident Suzanne has shown remarkable bravery and resilience in
extremely difficult circumstances. I was amazed at the courage and
commitment shown by all of the finalists - they are all fantastic
ambassadors for West Yorkshire Police. Day in day out they deliver an
exceptional service, helping make all our communities safer and
feeling safer.
Find out more

With Temporary Chief Constable Dee

Collins and Lifetime Achievement Award
winner Police Sergeant (Retired) Michael
Bowden

Campaign warning of the absolute danger of using a mobile phone when driving
Road safety is an important issue for me and for people across West Yorkshire and I support the National
Police Chiefs Council campaign that raises awareness about the absolute danger of using a mobile phone
whilst driving. I have spoken to police officers who have witnessed first-hand the unimaginable consequences
that driving whilst on the phone can have and I am determined to work with partners to find local solutions to
local problems to help make our roads safer.
Find out more

Womens Health Matters - I visited Womens Health Matters in Leeds who I helped

Coming up

to fund with a 2000 grant from the first round of my Safer Communities Fund. The
organisation is an independent charity run by women for women and works to support
asylum seekers from over 20 countries or origin aged 18-70. The grant from the fund
was used for a series of summer activities, open to all women and girls they work with.
The range of activities undertaken enabled women to feel more confident and at home
in their city. It was great to meet the people involved in the project who were
exceptionally welcoming and I could see the difference we had made in the community
by providing an invaluable service to potentially vulnerable women. While there I also
helped give out clothes and talked to service users about their varied backgrounds
which had a lasting effect on me. To find out more about Womens Health Matters visit
www.womenshealthmatters.org.uk

We will have
consultation stalls at
the following events:

Contact
@WestYorksOPCC
/WestYorksOPCC
/westyorksopcc
/westyorksopcc

contact@westyorkshire.pcc.
pnn.gov.uk
01924 294000

6th June

Beeston Festival
13th June

Halifax Charity Gala

14th June

Bradford Festival
27th June

Hunslet Festival

Help for Victims website

The Help for Victims website was created and launched with
the sole purpose of supporting victims and witnesses of
crime. Anyone who feels they are a victim or witness to a
crime and don't know where to go for help please visit
www.helpforvictims.co.uk