POLICE and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Chief Constables in the south west have met for the first time to discuss ways of co-operating across the region.

The meeting last Wednesday (March 6) was hosted in Dorset by the county’s PCC Martyn Underhill. It was attended by Wiltshire and Swindon commissioner Angus Macpherson, Gloucestershire PCC Martin Surl and Avon and Somerset PCC Sue Mountstevens.

Following the meeting Mr Macpherson said: “I am keen to develop good working relationships with my PCC peers in the south west and this was another good opportunity to do so, as well as to meet the region’s chief constables.”

At the meeting the PCCs and chief constables discussed exploring collaborative working in relation to forensic submissions and other areas being explored, to improve efficiency and effectiveness to the public. Recent government proposals in relation to the probation service and police complaints were also on the agenda.