PCC Shaun Wright: My plans for policing in 2014

CRIMES involving children, the elderly and vulnerable groups are to receive extra attention from South Yorkshire Police, the force’s PCC has pledged.

Shaun Wright has set out his priorities for his second year in the Police and Crime Commissioner post.

Mr Wright (pictured) said: “There are a number of vulnerable groups; children, women, the very old, black and minority ethnic and people with addictions, who can be exploited. I have plans to focus on these incrementally.

“So in the first year, I want to ensure that we are operating in the vanguard in protecting children, particularly in child abuse and child sexual exploitation. Then we will focus on protecting women. Then we are looking at protecting vulnerable elderly people – people who are living independently but are vulnerable because of dementia or disabilities.”

“I don’t think any of this is unrealistic.”

Mr Wright was speaking after HM Inspectorate of Constabulary criticised the force’s ability to protect children from sexual exploitation.

And Mr Wright complained earlier this year that “it is extremely disappointing and frustrating that other forces continue to perform better”.

Speaking in November, he said: “I have asked for more to be done to protect vulnerable people – but there are no targets. Just priorities. I think that is achievable. I have listened to what the public want. I have set that in conjunction with the chief constable to make sure that it is realistic and deliverable.”

Mr Wright stressed he was not setting any targets, rather prioritising the areas the force should work on. His only target for the force, he said, was to increase visibility by keeping officer numbers high and recruiting more Special constables.

He also said the force must focus its efforts on reducing crime and antisocial behaviour in line with the national average, adding: “That is the basic role of the police – to protect the public and reduce crime. That is something that has been going on since the days of Peel. And it is achievable.

“We are not setting the force up to fail on anything. It is something that is real and achievable. And it chimes with the public.”

He added: “I enjoy working with South Yorkshire Police. They are a great force and they do a very difficult job in incredibly challenging circumstances and as far as the PCC is concerned they have got one that is on their side. That applies across the force.”