AS CHAIRMAN of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, I am pleased to inform your readers that very positive work has taken place throughout 2016 to scrutinise and support the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and uphold our shared determination of keeping our communities safe.

The Panel is made up of representatives from councils across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight policing area, together with non-political members – and together, there’s a real collective energy and focus in how we are working together so effectively.

Over the last 12 months, the panel has overseen a number of significant changes which have shaped our work in fresh and positive directions.

Highlights this year have included the recommendation of a new chief constable, Olivia Pinkney; the election of a new Police and Crime Commissioner, and new panel members welcomed.

Our focus remains to work proactively and openly to ensure the commissioner continues to serve residents well.

Part of this work involves ensuring that the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can continue to take an active role in holding the commissioner to account, and this has again, formed the cornerstone of ur scrutiny work in 2016.

Through various proactive scrutiny sessions on important topics such as tackling domestic abuse and human trafficking, we continue to ensure that residents’ voices are heard – and that their feedback is used to help shape the commissioners’ programme of work.

This approach remains core to our commitment to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

My thanks go to residents and the commissioner for their ongoing support in this important area of our work.

On behalf of the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, may I take this opportunity to wish the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a very enjoyable and peaceful festive season, and a happy and safe 2017.

Councillor David Stewart, chairman of Hampshire Police and Crime Panel.