Cheshire police offer live web chat

By Lisa Reeves - Friday, 13th January, 2012 - 7 comments

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People in Cheshire, who want to raise policing issues are being offered an instant top-level response.

Cheshire′s Chief Constable, Dave Whatton, and the Chairman of Cheshire Police Authority, Margaret Ollerenshaw will take part in a live internet question and answer session on January 19th.

Dave Whatton said, "We are currently reviewing all aspects of how we police the area with a view to improving the service and increasing efficiency while achieving large-scale savings ordered by the government.

"In the current financial year we are on track to achieve more than eleven million pounds in savings and we are seeing a reduction in crime and disorder across the board. To continue in that vein we need to hear what concerns people most and what they think we should be doing. This internet session will give people an opportunity to express their views and ask questions about the big issues involved in policing."

Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "In February we will set the policing budget for the coming year. Public opinion will be a key factor in the decisions we make. We are already sounding out people's views at road shows and through our website. The webchat will provide a chance to have a real say in what we do."

The hour-long session will begin at 3pm on Thursday January 19th.

People will be able to take part by logging on to the Cheshire Police website and follow the links. Questions will be typed and will be seen straight away by the Chief Constable and the Chairman. Their responses will be shown on the screen as the session continues.

To take part; log on to the Cheshire Police website.

Photo: The Chief Constable of Cheshire, Dave Whatton.


7 Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Frank Keegan Friday, 13th Jan, 2012 4:42 pm
What a very good way of connecting with the taxpayers. I think all authorities who raise taxes should offer the same facilities for consultation - Police, Fire, Cheshire East.
Brian Etchells Saturday, 14th Jan, 2012 6:37 pm
All sounds very laudable. Pardon me for being cynical, but aren't most people busy working at 3:00 on a Thursday afternoon and therefore not able to participate in a live webchat.
Frank Keegan Saturday, 14th Jan, 2012 9:42 pm
Cheshire has a very strong percentage of people who work from home; besides which, public service exists from taxation, so the taxpayers need to set the agenda by logging on and asking for a more suitable time.

If you don't engage, they will think you are apathetic.
Brian Etchells Sunday, 15th Jan, 2012 10:35 am
Yes, Cheshire does have a certain number of people working from home (what percentage?) I totally agree, with your point about taxpayers and will be asking for a more suitable time.

I will post their response on this site.
Martin Reeves Monday, 16th Jan, 2012 11:23 am
According to the Cheshire Police twitter account if you are unable to join the web chat you can submit your question(s) here http://bit.ly/hYpkne - questions for the web chat need to be submitted by 12 noon on January 19th. The answers to the questions asked during the web chat will be posted on the Cheshire Police website by 4pm Friday 20th January.
Brian Etchells Monday, 16th Jan, 2012 5:53 pm
Thanks for the information. I hadn't thought of looking on the Cheshire Police twitter account, not my usual way of communicating with the police. I didn't spot that information on their website. I did email them, but am still awaiting a response.
Brian Etchells Saturday, 21st Jan, 2012 9:23 pm
I never did get a reply off them

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