Suffolk residents invited to question Police and Crime Commissioner over policing
A series of public meetings will give people the chance to raise concerns directly with Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner and local policing officers.
People across Suffolk are being invited to question the county's Police and Crime Commissioner about policing in their communities.
Tim Passmore is holding a series of public meetings during September and October, with residents able to raise concerns and ask questions about the service.
Officers from Suffolk Constabulary's relevant community policing teams will also attend, with the force saying the meetings will help it understand the issues currently affecting different parts of the county.
Four face-to-face sessions are planned in Stowmarket, Lowestoft, Newmarket and Martlesham, followed by an online meeting in November.
The first will take place at The Mix in Stowmarket on Tuesday, September 22.
'Opportunity to have their say'
Mr Passmore said it was important people had the opportunity to question those responsible for policing in Suffolk.
He said: "If you have a burning question about policing in the county, this is the opportunity to ask it.
"Policing is such an important public service, and it is imperative that the public have an opportunity to have their say.
"I do hope people will accept this invitation to come and find out more about policing in Suffolk."
Mr Passmore said there would be time for people to ask questions and make comments, adding that officers from the relevant community policing team would be present to provide a local perspective.
Suffolk Police says dialogue with communities is 'vital'
Suffolk's County Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Janine Wratten, said the meetings would allow the force to hear directly about residents' concerns.
She said: "The public meetings are a great opportunity to listen to the community we serve and understand their current issues they wish to raise with us.
"Having an ongoing dialogue with the people of Suffolk is vital to ensure we remain a relevant and responsive police force."
Chief Superintendent Wratten said area commanders from the relevant community policing teams would also be able to provide local context at each meeting.
Where and when are the meetings?
The first meeting, covering Mid Suffolk, will be held at The Mix in Stowmarket on Tuesday, September 22.
The East Area meeting will follow at the Wherry Hotel in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, on Tuesday, September 29.
A West Area meeting will be held at The Racing Centre in Newmarket on Tuesday, October 13, followed by the South Area meeting at Suffolk Police Headquarters in Martlesham on Wednesday, October 21.
All four face-to-face meetings begin at 6.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm. People do not need to book in advance.
An online meeting will also take place via Microsoft Teams at 6pm on Wednesday, November 4. Anyone wishing to attend that session needs to register in advance by emailing the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.