£3.3m of new funding to cut crime & support victims secured by new Police Commissioner in first 100 days

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More than £3.3m of extra funding has been secured by Emily Spurrell in her first 100 days in office as Merseyside’s newly-elected Police Commissioner.

Emily will mark the milestone tomorrow ( Saturday 21st August) after taking the Oath of Office on the first day of her term on May 13th.

It’s been an exceptionally busy time for the Police Commissioner who has completed a whirlwind tour of the region, with more than 125 external meetings getting to know Merseyside Police and visiting every local policing area, as well as a host of partners including MPs, Councillors, community safety and criminal justice partners and third sector organisations.

She has also held more than 40 public and partners events during a six-week consultation asking local people for their views on their priorities for policing and community safety and has already consulted with more than 2,700 residents.

During this time, she has secured £3.3m of new funding for the region for initiatives aimed at cutting crime and providing greater support for victims. This includes £1.2m of new funding for extra Independent Advisors offering specialist care and support to survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse, new funding for male victims of sexual violence and Merseyside’s first ever project working with young people who abuse their parents or carers.

Just this week, she has launched her Youth Diversion Fund which is offering cash boosts to local community organisations to help keep young people safe over the busy Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Emily said: “My goal is to help build a safer, stronger Merseyside where everyone can thrive.

“There is so much to do, and these 100 days have been a whirlwind of activity - travelling across our diverse region meeting and starting those conversations with people from across the police family, regional leaders, partners, our fantastic community and voluntary sector and people from all our communities.

“There are so many dedicated, diligent and passionate people who are doing great work to keep people safe and much of this work has been even more challenging over the last 18 months.

“While Covid-19 restrictions have meant many of my planned events have had to be scaled back, I’m pleased to have heard the views of more than 2,700 local people through two important consultations at more than 125 external meetings.

“Those views will help shape my Police and Crime Plan, which I am currently producing, setting out the policing and community safety priorities for our region and how we will use our resources on the issues that matter most to local people.

“I’m extremely proud to have already secured more than £3.3m of extra funding for some really valuable projects which will provide extra support for vulnerable victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse and crackdown on crime, particularly in hotspot areas.

“Many of these projects are now underway and we have other bids for funding already in the pipeline, so I hope to be able to provide more vital funding for essential services over the next few months.

“Work is gathering momentum and there is no time to rest if we are to continue to improve the service offered to people across Merseyside and ensure vulnerable victims get the very highest standards of support, giving them a voice throughout our criminal justice system.

“I am determined to listen to the views of people across our region and I want to make it as easy as possible for residents to have their say, so I will be visiting every area of our region, engaging with communities and involving more members of the public in the scrutiny process.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my role during my first 100 days. Over the next three years I hope Merseyside will see the value of having a Police Commissioner and people will feel their voices are being heard.”