Today (Friday 13 May), marks one year since John Dwyer took office as Cheshire Constabulary's Police and Crime Commissioner.

PCC Dwyer has been reflecting on what has happened during his term in office so far - looking ahead to delivering on people's priorities over the next 12 months.

As the public's elected voice in policing, it's the Commissioner's job to hold the Chief Constable to account for how the Constabulary is performing on the public's priorities.

Last year, PCC Dwyer carried out the largest ever survey on policing and crime in Cheshire to find out what people's issues and priorities were, receiving nearly 19,000 responses from residents across the county.

PCC Dwyer carried out the largest ever survey on policing and crime in Cheshire to find out what people's issues and priorities were (Cheshire Constabulary).

Two of the main issues raised with the Commissioner have been officer numbers and 101 non-emergency call waiting times.

Compared to this time last year, there are now 84 more officers and 101 waiting times half more than halved since last summer to around six minutes

PCC Dwyer believes both measures for Cheshire Constabulary are heading in the right direction.

Within the next twelve months, the Commissioner wants to see continued progress on these important issues for residents.

There are 120 more Cheshire officers due to be recruited by March 2023, with more call centre staff set to be hired as part of Mr Dwyer's desire to see 101 waiting times brought down further.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire told Nub News: "I want to thank people in Cheshire for their continued feedback over my first year as Commissioner.

"This role can't be done effectively without public input, and I believe we're making progress on people's priorities.

"More officers for our communities and a more contactable police service means we're on track to make Cheshire an even safer place to live, work and visit. I know people expect continued progress in these key areas and I'm determined to deliver."

More call centre staff arev set to be hired as part of PCC Dwyer's desire to see 101 waiting times brought down further (Cheshire Constabulary).

Another of the Commissioner's key roles is to fund services and projects designed to tackle crime and support victims.

PCC Dwyer has begun working with Parish and Town Councils across Cheshire on an average speed camera scheme to make roads safer.

Within the past year, there has been extra funding for Cheshire Constabulary.

Last year the Commissioner made a successful bid for £1.1 million – the joint-highest award in the country – for Safer Streets projects.

Overall, extra funding in excess of £5 million has been secured during Mr Dwyer's first year in office - supporting new technology for the police.

Earlier this year, Cheshire became the first Constabulary in the North West to use GoodSAM technology in its control room, allowing people in danger to have a direct video link to the police.

Approximately £700,000 has been given to community groups and community safety across Cheshire, the Commissioner's Community Action Fund has also supported groups across the county with initiatives to prevent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.

John Dwyer added: "We've made lots of positive strides forward over the past year, but I know there is always more to do and I want to keep the momentum going.

"In Cheshire we have more officers, lower 101 waiting times, over £5 million in extra funding secured, new technology, and a clear focus on what people want us to achieve over the next year.

"I look forward to continuing to listen and deliver for communities across the county."

PCC John Dwyer became the Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021 (Cheshire Constabulary)

To find out more about the Commissioner's work, click HERE.

PCC John Dwyer was the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire from 2012 to 2016, re-elected to the office in May 2021.

His three year term runs from 2021 until 2024.

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