STAFFORDSHIRE’S police tsar has welcomed plans which could cut rates of re-offending in former prisoners.
Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis said plans announced by Justice Minister Chris Grayling for prisoners serving shorter sentences to receive compulsory rehabilitation support would complement work he had already started across the county.
“Re-offending levels are too high and, whilst Staffordshire has one of the lowest re-offending rates in the country, I believe we can still do better,” said Mr Ellis. “The positive work that’s already being done in the county on integrated offender management will give us an excellent starting point.”
Mr Ellis said making short term offenders do compulsory rehabilitation, subjecting them to better supervision and giving them structure to their lives would help cut crime and make communities safer.
“I have ambitious plans to transform criminal justice services in our county,” he said. “I want to join up services, pool budgets and set joint priorities.
“My three-year vision is for Staffordshire to have the most integrated criminal justice system in the country – better serving victims and protecting communities.”
Mr Ellis said by joining up services it would allow for better use of money and resources and added he was determined to see jobs and prosperity stay within the county.
