In his first full week in office Jonathan Ash-Edwards, the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire held his first meeting with the Chief Constable.

The PCC and Charlie Hall met at Hertfordshire Constabulary HQ at Stanborough on Monday morning to discuss the current policing priorities and plans to make the county even safer.

They then travelled to Potters Bar to speak to residents and business owners about what issues are affecting them.  

A range of topics were discussed during their first meeting with Mr Ash-Edwards focusing on those issues which had been raised with him by the public during the PCC election.

These included residential burglary, shoplifting, firearms licensing, high impact crimes and visibility and responsiveness of policing. They also discussed how technology could be used to cut the amount of time officers spend on paperwork so they can spend more time on patrol.

Vetting of officers and staff and professional standards was also on the agenda as they spoke about how high standards of the Constabulary must be maintained.

Mr Ash-Edwards said: “I had a positive first meeting with the Chief Constable and I look forward to developing a good working relationship with him.

“One of my main roles as PCC is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the service delivered to Hertfordshire residents and to be the public’s voice in local policing. It was important to start addressing the issues which people have been raising with me on the doorstep.

“I believe the vast majority of the public want to see the police doing well and keeping the county safe. Policing is increasingly challenging and complex and I know that officers, staff and volunteers put themselves at risk every day to protect the public.

“Hertfordshire is one of the safest places in the country, but there is more that we can do. I will always champion the need for Hertfordshire to have effective and efficient policing that tackles crime and supports victims”.

Following the meeting Mr Hall said: “I enjoyed our first formal meeting and I am looking forward to working with him.

 “Alongside everyone in the Constabulary, I share his vision of maintaining Hertfordshire as one of the safest counties in the country, reducing crime further and improving the services we provide to the public – especially victims of crime.”

After the meeting they joined up with Neighbourhood Sgt Noel Buckley who covers the Potters Bar area. On a tour of Darkes Lane they spoke to shoppers and one resident who was concerned about speeding. They also visited a chemist to speak to the manager about how shoplifting is dealt with.