Commissioner produces Easy Read, Audio and British Sign Language versions of Police and Crime Plan

Empowering people to keep informed and have their say when it comes to policing and crime is a priority for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.

Today, 14 February 2022, he is the first Commissioner in the country to promote accessible versions of his Police and Crime Plan in these three formats, enabling people with disabilities in Cheshire to have easier access to policing and crime information.

The Police and Crime Plan is where the Commissioner sets out his overall vision for policing in the county, which is informed by public feedback. It also sets out the strategic direction for Cheshire Constabulary and how the Commissioner will hold the Chief Constable to account in delivering on the public’s priorities.

These easy read versions are designed to help those who have learning disabilities and visual and audio impairments to access the Commissioner’s Plan and engage with policing on the issues that matter to them.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Nobody should feel that they can’t have the same level of access to information or share their views, especially when it comes to policing.

“In the Plan itself, I talk about embracing the diversity of our communities and that includes disabled people. Since taking office I have met with different groups, including the Deafness Support Network (DSN) and agencies who provide support for those with learning difficulties, to better understand people’s policing needs.

“It’s important to turn words into action and that’s what I’ve done by producing these accessible versions. I want to thank the DSN and Disability Positive in particular for helping me and my office throughout this process.

“I know there will always be more to do when it comes to how I and the police can improve the way we serve disabled people. My Plan will be refreshed later this year, and every year, as the needs of the people of Cheshire change and the accessible versions will change along with it. I want to keep engaging with groups like the DSN and Disability Positive throughout this process to ensure that disabled people are heard in the policing conversation.”

Accessible versions of the Plan are available here:

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-i-do/making-cheshire-safer/police-and-crime-plan/accessible-versions-of-police-and-crime-plan/

You can find out more about the Deafness Support Network at:

www.dsnonline.co.uk

To read more about Disability Positive, visit:

www.disabilitypositive.org

If you’d like a hard copy of either the original or easy read version of the Plan, please contact:

pcc@cheshire.police.uk