‘PCCs have a big responsibility to provide a voice for the public in policing and criminal justice to ensure that we are playing our part in tackling the climate emergency’ says PCC ahead of COP26

Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner says we need to invest in new technologies and work to be more sustainable and efficient ahead of The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26.

The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The conference will see countries discuss their approach to step up efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to make finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

There are unique opportunities to make progress that includes investing in new technology and reviewing and developing the infrastructure of existing and new buildings.

As Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Joint Lead for Environment and Sustainability Joy Allen is committed to driving the local and national agenda for climate change.

She said: “PCCs have a big responsibility as national and local leaders to provide a voice for the public in policing and criminal justice to ensure that we are playing our part in tackling the climate emergency we are facing. The pandemic has changed the way we operate, and I actively support the de-carbonisation agenda including developing the infrastructure in terms of buildings and fleet in order to contribute to legislative requirements and carbon reduction targets.

“I am encouraging the workforce of my office and the force to work more sustainably and I am working with the community and partners to achieve better environmental outcomes in relation to social value and bio – diversity.”

Ambitious targets have been set by the government including being net zero by 2050 and ceasing new Diesel or Petrol cars sold by 2030.

PCC Allen added: “To meet these targets there is lots of new, exciting technologies being piloted and brought in to tackle climate change. Durham Constabulary, along with other police forces, are testing a Tesla vehicle, with the aim of evaluating the vehicle for use in police activities and better understand the infrastructure required to host and maintain a fleet of electric vehicles. Not just that, all forces, like Durham, are reducing miles travelled by having more meetings virtually,using less paper and using less energy as ways to help, but which don’t affect service delivery.

“I think the key thing is for PCCs to think and talk about environment and sustainability as a mainstream issue for policing and Criminal Justice System and drive this agenda which is so important for the public we represent. The rate of progress will depend on available money, and I support the measures outlined in this week’s budget statement, but in reality much more will be needed. The ambition is there, but it needs properly funding.

“Short-term, there are lots of smaller actions PCCs can implement now, whether that might be thinking about the environment in commissioning services or supporting community payback and youth diversion projects in local areas that improve the environment for our communities.  It is also about changing our personal lives by doing things differently which we, as members of the public, understand the importance of. ”

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