Two per cent rise in police precept

The Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel has

approved plans to raise the policing part of the Council tax precept by 2%.

This equates to an increase, on average, of £3.19 per household per year.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg says: "We

believed that not raising the police part of the council tax during the next

financial year would have a major impact on policing in Devon, Cornwall and the

Isles of Scilly. It would have meant that officer numbers may have fallen to

well below 3,000."

"We are working hard to maintain officer numbers at their

current levels and there was a real need for the Force to increase funds to be

able do this."

 Today's panel meeting also confirmed the appointment of

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer.

He has been the temporary Chief Constable since the

departure of Stephen Otter early in 2012.

 Tony Hogg says: "Shaun Sawyer was the outstanding candidate during the

selection and interview process and has demonstrated a clear vision and strong

leadership. We have already built an excellent working relationship, and I am

now keen to build on that further as we develop our strategic policing plan for

this area."

The panel spent some time considered the Police and Crime

plan which sets out the priorities of the Commissioner, in close liaison with

the Chief Constable. These include

Reducing crime and bringing offenders to justice Giving

victims and witnesses a stronger voice Listening and responding to the public

Strong leadership at every level Investing in policing for the future.

The final Police and Crime plan has to be issued on or

before March 31st 2013