Thousands have their say on policing priorities

GMPA chairman Cllr Paul Murphy

Tackling domestic abuse and cracking down on violent crime have been highlighted as the issues most important to local residents.

Throughout 2011, more than 6,000 people have told Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) what issues they want Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to focus on. These views will be taken into consideration when setting the police priorities for next year.

Councillor Paul Murphy, Chairman of GMPA, said: “Each year we set the priorities that Greater Manchester Police must work towards. These priorities are detailed in the Policing Plan and the views of local people will help us set the plan for 2012 to 2013.

“I want to thank everyone for taking the time to take part in our consultation and reassure them that their views do make a difference. We will continue to speak to our local communities and make sure that GMP provides an ever-improving police service that meets the needs of everyone who lives, works and visits Greater Manchester.”

GMPA’s Engagement Team has been out and about to more than 100 events across Greater Manchester asking people to rank policing priorities as high, medium or low importance.

The top five high priorities are: 

• Responding to emergency calls
• Tackling violent crime
• Detecting and arresting offenders
• Tackling domestic and child abuse
• Tackling organised crime and terrorism 

The top five low priorities are: 

• Tackling community problems
• Reducing paperwork
• Improving road safety
• Providing crime prevention advice
• Working with schools 

Councillor Murphy added: “Although the policing priorities survey is now closed there are still plenty of other ways to have a say on policing whether it’s online at www.gmpa.gov.uk/involved or by visiting us when we’re out and about at community events.
 
“There also other consultations running at the moment including one which invites the public to have a say on how the police budget should be spent next year. People can visit www.budgetsimulator.com/GMPA to get involved and be in with a chance of winning £100 of Trafford Centre vouchers.”