Anti-migrant protests, e-scooters, speeding, and retail crime are among the policing issues dominating public concern.
These topics were raised during a recent live question and answer session with Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones and Chief Constable Alexis Boon.
The session, titled COPS (Commissioner's Oversight of Policing Services), took place on Monday, September 7, and was streamed live on YouTube and Facebook.
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More than 150 questions were submitted in advance and covered a wide range of topics, including anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth, anti-social behaviour, police visibility, rural crime, and road safety.
Ms Jones said: "My job is to work for the public and COPS gives me an opportunity, on their behalf, to hold the Chief Constable to account.
"It’s really important the public has a say in the police service they pay for.
"My pledge when I was elected in 2021 was to drive down crime and make our communities safer."
She also highlighted the financial management of the force and the resulting investment in front-line services.
Ms Jones said: "Money is tight across the public sector but this police force really does stand tall when it comes to its financial prowess.
"This has enabled us to invest in over 850 more police officers since I was elected in 2021. It’s also enabled me to invest in opening front counters and police stations.
"We’re also solving more crime than ever before. We have one of the highest solve rates in the country.
"We are achieving that thanks to the hard work of the Chief Constable and his officers and staff but there is always more to be done."
Road safety remains a high priority, with concerns around speeding and noisy vehicles frequently raised by residents.
Ms Jones said: "There are still too many speeding and noisy vehicles on our roads. I’m dealing with that through major investment in road safety projects.
"I’m also calling on the government to do more to tackle noisy, illegally modified exhausts.
"I am listening and taking action."
She thanked members of the public for engaging with the session.
Ms Jones said: "I want to thank everyone who watched COPS or who submitted a question.
"Your participation and feedback are invaluable."
A full recording of the session is available on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
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