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News from your
Commissioner,
Darryl Preston
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Welcome to my first newsletter of the new year.
Remarkably, it has been a full 12 months since I launched my very first bulletin – how time flies. I am really pleased with the way it has grown and hope to reach out to even more residents and communities this year.
It's with sadness that I announced the death of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's first Police and Crime Commissioner, Sir Graham Bright. Sir Graham will always be remembered for setting the bar for how future Commissioners would carry out the role and for being the ultimate public servant.
Darryl
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Work starts on new Milton police station
Work has started on the development of a new state-of-the-art police station in Milton on the outskirts of Cambridge.
The new police station will create a modern, sustainable workspace to improve the working lives of officers and staff. This month, clearance work commenced to prepare for the construction of a new access road to the site.
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Shining the light on our support workers helping victims of modern slavery
This month, we marked National Human Trafficking Awareness Day to shine a light on the positive work that goes on all year round within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to protect and support victims of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
Many victims are hidden in plain sight, too fearful of seeking help. Our specialist support workers are trained to identify and deliver urgent help to protect those in need and bring perpetrators to justice.
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Police watchdogs set to scrutinise police custody performance
Community volunteers who scrutinise the execution of police powers and the force’s interaction with the public are set to receive new responsibilities this year focused on police custody.
In addition to evaluating the use of Stop and Search and Use of Force powers, members of my Community Scrutiny Panel will also independently assess and report on detention and custody processes including matters of disproportionality. The new duties support my plans to deliver a high level of accountability and transparency across all policing areas to improve confidence and maintain high standards.
Anyone aged 16+ can apply to become a volunteer on the panel and new members are warmly welcomed.
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More held for drink and drug driving in festive crackdown
More than 90 suspected drink or drug drivers were arrested last month in the force’s annual crackdown – nine per cent higher than 2022.
Calls to the force’s confidential hotline – 0800 032 0845 – also more than doubled during the festive campaign. There is never an excuse to drink or take drugs and drive. Any activity that catches those who blatantly disregard the law and protects law-abiding road users has my full support.
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Road safety vans drive home the dangers of speeding
Road safety vans funded by my office to educate motorists of the risks of dangerous and anti-social driving have clocked up a staggering 15,000 miles in 12 months.
The Vision Zero Vans – staffed by Special Constables – have helped secure 406 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for offences such as speeding, mobile phones, seat belts and no insurance in villages throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Alongside making 17 arrests, the volunteers have also seized 30 vehicles.
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