Christmas message from your Commissioner

With Christmas just around the corner, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy, peaceful and safe festive season.

2023 has flown by – and what a year it’s been!
As we head into the new year, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements and progress we’ve made in so many areas over the last 12 months.  
For me, personal highlights have included uniting councillors across Merseyside together in the first councillors’ conference, reopening Merseyside Police’s busiest operational station, St Anne’s Street, and marking one year since the launch of the Victim Care Merseyside hub, offering vital support to more than 40,000 vulnerable people across our region.

I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved in one year as a partnership to tackle Violence against Women and Girls. Marking one year since the launch of the region-wide Delivery Plan, there has been huge progress as we work to prevent violence, pursue offenders and protect women and girls across Merseyside.
This year also brought our region under an unprecedented spotlight – with the eyes of 160 million people from around the globe and hundreds of thousands of people descending on Merseyside to enjoy the incredible spectacle of Eurovision – and what an honour it was to host such a staggering international celebration on behalf of Ukraine.  
Eurovision necessitated the largest security operation ever put into place within the city, with a highly complex and detailed policing plan and more than 5,500 police officers and staff deployed.
 
At every stage and at every level of the organisation, the efforts by officers and staff were second-to-none and I am incredibly proud of the planning and preparation to ensure everyone’s safety across the region. The work undertaken was outstanding and something that resonates with me as one of the biggest achievements from 2023.
There’s no doubt there have still been huge challenges. As a region, we have seen some horrific incidents this year and my heart goes out to the families which have suffered so terribly. While a happy time for so many, Christmas can be the hardest time for those who are grieving.

This year we have seen those responsible to some of the most shocking and senseless crimes seen here in Merseyside brought to justice and handed life sentences for their despicable acts on innocent victims.
It shows us that Merseyside Police are relentless in their pursuit of these criminal gangs who try to blight our communities with drugs, weapons and violence and that justice will always prevail, thanks to the continued support of our communities who provide the intelligence to ensure those toxic individuals are now spending many years behind bars.

Independent Inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) scrutinised Merseyside Police and the North West Organised Crime Unit using an extensive assessment process and found what I see every day; that is an outstanding police service doing an outstanding job serving our communities and tackling serious and organised crime.  

To be the first Regional Organised Crime Unit in the country to be rated as outstanding is not only an exceptional achievement but recognition for the relentless commitment officers and staff demonstrate each and every day to find these criminals and put them behind bars.
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.
Their efforts allow us to enjoy time with our families knowing they are there to keep us safe.
My heartfelt thanks go to all of them.
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.
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.