Wishing you a very happy, peaceful and safe festive season
19.12.22 - Merseyside
With just a few days to go until Christmas, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and safe festive season.
2022 has flown by – and what a year it’s been!
There have been so many highlights and such fantastic progress in so many areas.
For me, personal highlights have included opening Merseyside Police’s fantastic new headquarters, Rose Hill, uniting with 50 partners to launch the Merseyside Violence against Women and Girls Delivery Plan and taking the tally of new money secured for our region up to more than £6m - money which has gone on vital initiatives to cut crime, protect the vulnerable and support those in need.
Crucially, we’ve also launched the Victim Care Merseyside hub - a dedicated team of real people on hand to make a real difference to victims of crime across Merseyside.
There’s no doubt there have still been huge challenges. As a region, we have seen some horrific incidents this year which have shocked us all. My heart goes out to the families who have suffered so terribly in 2022. While a happy time for so many, Christmas can be the hardest time for those who are grieving.
In those darkest days, our communities pulled together and the shared determination to bring those responsible to justice was palpable. Using your intelligence, Merseyside Police took the fight to the criminal gangs that are prepared to inflict such misery. Weapons, drugs and vehicles were seized and 800 arrests were made.
Their work was relentless and continues now.
It’s the work of a police service which continues to be one of the best performing urban forces in the country.
Independent Inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) scrutinised Merseyside Police using a new, extensive assessment process and found what I see every day; that this is a good police service doing a good job serving our communities.
It’s those very officers and staff who will be continuing to work hard 24/7 throughout the holiday period to keep you safe.
While for most of us Christmas is a chance to take some time out, relax, unwind and spend time with loved ones, for our police – and other bluelight services – their work never stops.
Instead of celebrating the festivities, many of them will be on shift, answering calls, responding to those in need and potentially putting their own safety at risk to keep us safe.
My heartfelt thanks go to all of them.
Their efforts allow us to enjoy time with our families knowing they are there to keep us safe.
My thanks also go to all the organisations – public, private and third sector – who I’ve worked with over the year on so many initiatives to cut crime, protect our communities and support those in need. The police cannot do this work on their own – their support is invaluable.
I’d like to also give a special thank you to 11-year-old Esme Andrews who designed my fantastic Christmas card this year. Her wonderful design beautifully captures our state-of-the-art headquarters, Rose Hill, at Christmas.
As I sign off, I also like to thank you for your continued support. I’m here to be your representative on policing and community safety issues, so I always want to hear your views. From advice surgeries to public meetings and Scrutiny Meetings, your voice matters.
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year.