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The latest news from the Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner
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This month's newsletter is the first since the tragic events which unfolded in Westminster just over two weeks ago and it seems timely to pause and take stock. The awful events of that day were a tragic reminder of the dangers that police officers face as they strive to protect the public from harm - and also of the swift and effective response from the police and other emergency services as they dealt with the aftermath of the attack.
PC Keith Palmer made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of the public and Parliament and it is fitting that he has been afforded the honour of “lying in rest” in Westminster’s St Mary Undercroft ahead of his funeral next week - something normally only granted to heads of state and distinguished parliamentarians. While it can provide only a small solace to his family, friends and close colleagues, it does at least illustrate the high-esteem that society views his selfless actions that day.
We must also not forget the members of the public who were killed during the attack. Today has also seen the announcement of the death of Romanian tourist Andreea Cristea, who passed away in hospital while being treated for her injuries. My condolences and sympathies go out her family and friends, as well as those of Aysha Frade, Kurt Cochran and Leslie Rhodes, who also died during the attack. I also wish a speedy recovery for the many others that were injured that day.
My office and the officers and staff of Warwickshire Police will be joining their colleagues and members of the public from across the country in observing a two-minute silence at 2pm on Monday, to mark PC Palmer's funeral at Southark Cathedral. It's sure to be a very emotional service, attended by many from across the policing 'family'.
Tragedies such as these serve only to reinforce that we must all remain vigilant and continue to work together to combat terrorism. I know that the same levels of dedication and professionalism that were displayed by all of the responding emergency services in Westminster are shown here in Warwickshire on a daily basis.
In the aftermath of the attack, I discussed the security situation in Warwickshire with the Chief Constable and we reaffirmed our ongoing commitment to public safety. There is no specific threat to Warwickshire, but nevertheless, Warwickshire Police is well-prepared to respond to a terrorist incident should it happen here, as are the other emergency services. Y
ou may recall the recent major exercise which took place at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford, which helped to test responses to a large-scale incident. This is part of my commitment to ensure officers are properly equipped and trained, and I am also reassured that the counter-terrorism work locally and across the West Midlands region is continuing to help root out those who would seek to do harm in our communities.
It is important that the police and the public work together to combat terrorism. If you have any information about suspicious activity or behaviour, you can report it in confidence by calling the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or by using the secure form at www.gov.uk/ACT. In an emergency situation, always call 999.
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Philip Seccombe TD
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner
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Lord Chancellor visits Leamington Justice Centre
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A week ago I was pleased to be able to welcome the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Liz Truss MP to the Warwickshire Justice Centre at Leamington. Taking advantage of the fact that she was in the county, I was keen to meet with the Minister to discuss criminal justice matters and to showcase the state-of-the-art justice facilities we are privileged to have here in Warwickshire.
The visit gave the minister an insight into the running of the Justice Centre, which is designed specifically to bring multiple services together under one roof, breaking down the traditional barriers between criminal justice agencies, facilitating more integrated working. As well as seeing the Crown and Magistrates’ Courts, she was also shown the Police and Victim Support offices, where she was able to talk to representatives from the Witness Service, Probation and the Youth Justice Service.
I know from my discussions with other Police and Crime Commissioners up and down the country that the concept of combining under one roof all of the agencies involved in the local delivery of criminal justice is widely regarded as a template for best practice, and all of the partners are quite rightly very proud of facilities we have at Leamington and Nuneaton.
During our discussions, I highlighted the wider delivery of criminal justice in the county, including restorative justice programmes and our ongoing work to ensure that victims and witnesses are the focus for all agencies. My forthcoming Victims’ and Witnesses Charter – a key commitment in my Police and Crime Plan – is currently being consulted on with partners and will be launched publicly later this year.
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I had great pleasure in assisting Warwickshire's Youth Parliament with their 'One Voice' public speaking competition for local schoolchildren recently. 
Here are some of the key events in my diary for the month ahead:
