Author: VBoffice
Why MP Chope was wrong…….
As June comes to a close, we have seen the Tories losing control through the actions of Sir Christopher Chope MP – he shouted out the word “object” which stopped the bill to make upskirting a specific sexual offence under English law. His reason for stopping the bill, was that he wasn’t aware of the…
OPCC signs up as a Mindful Employer
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria has signed up as a Mindful Employer. Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC is now a signatory for the voluntary charter, which encourages organisations to show a positive attitude to employees and job applicants with mental health issues. The Commissioner joins almost 1,900 organisations that have…
North East PCCs call to reduce the breathalyser limit
Today, the government has announced a number of measures to improve road safety – but miss out one important factor, reducing the limit. The three North East PCCs welcome any initiative that will help make our roads safer, but Commissioner Baird, along with her colleagues, Ron Hogg, PCC for Durham and Barry Coppinger, PCC for…
Commissioner Baird calls on Home Secretary to take lead from Scottish Government
Labour MSPs have successfully ensured that the Scottish Government will hold an independent review into the actions of the police during the miners’ strike in Scotland. Dame Vera Baird QC, Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria who was one of the barristers defending northern miners in the Orgreave Trial and who also acted in many…
Google and others – need to get it right!
It’s of great concern that internet providers such as Google are helping users uncover the identity of rape and sexual assault victims – who by law, have their anonymity protected for life. Here in the North East, a case involving footballer, Adam Johnson saw his victim named on social media, (at times assisted by Google…
Article for North Tyneside BaNTer. Printed 26th April 2018.
After months of hard work, delivering election literature and newsletters in all sorts of weather, polling day is nearly here. Across North Tyneside we have outstanding Labour candidates in every ward, putting across a strong message that a Labour council really does make a difference. You only have to look at the regeneration schemes underway,…
Have your say, make your voice heard – The 2018 National Rural Crime Survey
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC is urging rural communities to take part in a national survey on rural crime. It is three years since the last National Rural Crime Survey which revealed how rural communities were affected by crime. Here in Northumbria, the police regularly meet residents and businesses who reside…
Providing effective policing in Northumbria.
As Chronicle readers will know, I have been lobbying the government hard over their unfair funding for our police service. Since 2010 Northumbria Police have had to endure cuts imposed on us of over £135 million, this has not been an easy challenge. However, the Chief Constable and I have squeezed every penny out of…
Providing excellent value for money.
Just before Christmas, right up until last week I’ve been working with my team to find out the views of local residents on the amount of council tax to be paid for local policing – the police precept. As you know, the Government announced that Northumbria Police will receive central grant funding of £222.7m in…
It’s been a busy year – but the work continues to put Northumbria first.
Here we are – at the end of 2017, it’s unbelievable how quick the year has gone by! It’s certainly been a busy year with many demands. In a couple of weeks time, I will receive Northumbria’s funding settlement from government to provide policing in our region. As you know, our force has seen the…