Emily Spurrell invites residents to share views and concerns at monthly PCC advice surgeries

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PCC talking to two women

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is launching regular public surgeries to hear the views and feedback of local people on how we can build a stronger, safer Merseyside.

Emily Spurrell is introducing the monthly advice surgeries as part of her commitment to giving local people a greater voice on policing, crime and community safety issues in Merseyside.

The PCC advice surgeries will enable Emily to meet residents from across the region face-to-face and in confidence to listen to their questions or concerns about the performance or oversight of Merseyside Police and provide an opportunity for them to receive a response directly from the Commissioner.

The Commissioner and her team will work with residents to identify the best route for their enquiry and discuss any action that can be taken or supported by her office.

Emily is planning to hold monthly advice surgeries, with two in each local authority area, as well as two virtual sessions, to ensure all geographical regions across Merseyside have access to appointments.

The first PCC surgery will take place on the evening of Thursday 22nd September in Birkenhead.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “When I was elected, I promised to be a loud voice on behalf of people across our fantastic region and ensure the views of residents are at the heart of local policing.

“Launching these regular advice surgeries is a great way to hear directly from local communities about any views or concerns they have and are a crucial way I can ensure I am as accessible as possible to local people.

“I would encourage anyone with views or concerns about policing, crime and community safety across Merseyside to get in touch and book a slot at one of these surgeries. I want to hear your views and ensure your voice is heard on local issues.

“These surgeries are just part of the wider work that I’m undertaking to raise awareness of the role of PCC and make sure I’m alive to the views and opinions of local people. Residents are already invited to submit their questions ahead of my quarterly Scrutiny Meetings to get a direct response from the Chief Constable and her team. These meetings are also live-streamed and recorded so local people can see for themselves the progress which is being made on key issues.”

Representing the views of residents is a key responsibility of the Commissioner and an important part of monitoring Merseyside Police’s performance and holding the Chief Constable to account.

These PCC surgeries will help the Commissioner to identify themes or trends in public opinion, which will help to influence her scrutiny of the Chief Constable and inform future decisions, including the commissioning of services, projects and campaigns.

Scheduled surgeries:

  • Thursday 22nd September 2022 – evening – Birkenhead
  • Monday 17th October 2022 – afternoon – Halewood
  • Monday 21st November 2022 – morning – Southport
  • Wednesday 14th December 2022– afternoon – Virtual
  • Thursday 26th January 2023 – evening – St Helens
  • Monday 27th February 2023 – afternoon – Norris Green
  • Tuesday 21st March 2023 – afternoon – Heswall
  • Monday 17th April 2023 – afternoon – Prescot
  • Wednesday 24th May 2023 – afternoon - Bootle
  • Saturday 24th June 2023 – morning – Newton
  • Thursday 20th July 2023 – morning – Speke
  • Tuesday 15th August 2022 – evening – Virtual

How it works

PCC Surgeries will be held on a monthly basis at a variety of accessible venues, with two sessions a year taking place in each of the five boroughs of Merseyside: Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, and two virtual sessions.

The PCC will be accompanied by staff from her team who will help to facilitate the meetings and may take notes where necessary.

Surgeries are by appointment only, to ensure that the issues being raised relate to policing, crime or community safety, and to ensure the PCC is fully briefed on the issue prior to the meeting.

While the Commissioner is unable to intervene in operational matters, she welcomes your feedback on how the region is policed and how we can work together to build a stronger, safer Merseyside.

Please note, the PCC will not be able to consider complaints about police officers, member of police staff, police community support officers or special constables, as this is a matter for Merseyside Police.

If you would like to book a 15-minute slot with Emily Spurrell, please contact the PCC’s office with your name, contact information and what you would like to discuss during your meeting, by:

Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner,

Mather Avenue Training Centre,

Mather Avenue,

Liverpool,

L18 9TG

Please note, surgery slots are limited and work on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee a slot for everyone. If a session is full, you will be given the details of alternative sessions, including the PCC’s virtual sessions. We also ask that if you cannot make your pre-booked appointment slot, please give 48hours notice so we may offer your booking to another resident.