Donna Jones sworn in
Hampshire’s top police boss has said anti-social behaviour and residents’ calls for increased police visibility are on her mind after being elected for a second term
Conservative police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones has been sworn in after winning decisively last week, winning 70,000 more votes than her nearest rival.
After swearing her oath today in Portsmouth Magistrates Court, Ms Jones has become the first PCC to be re-elected in Hampshire.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Jones said it was a “tiring” campaign trail but noted key issues raised on doorsteps included anti-social behaviour plaguing neighbourhoods and residents’ calls for increased police visibility.
She also highlighted a notable rise in complaints regarding “large-scale car meets and racing” occurring across the county over the past 18 months.
She added that from April 1, some 75 police officers have been added to the force in addition to the 650 that have been recruited over the last three years.
“Both the chief constable and I want to get to 1,000 more police officers for two real reasons, firstly because the population of the county has increased over the last decade,” she said.
“Secondary because the complexity of crime has changed and that was expedited during Covid when a lot of organised crime gangs moved operations online through encrypted networks – we really do need specialist police officers working online.”
Regarding police stations, Ms Jones said that plans are underway for new facilities in Gosport and Petersfield.
“I’m about to exchange and complete the purchase of the new police station in Petersfield.
“Contractors will move into Gosport police station in the next four to five months and will open at some point in 2025.
“Getting the public better connected to their police service is absolutely a priority.”
She said the election last week was a “difficult day for every Conservative politician” but her majority has given her a “real purpose” for the next four years.
Her immediate focus is on drafting the Police and Crime Plan, outlining policing priorities for Chief Constable Scott Chilton. She added “the most important thing” about the plan is the public consultation which is expected to commence in the coming weeks.