Commissioner Update: January 2026

Welcome to the January edition of my monthly newsletter. It has been an exceptionally busy start to the New Year. As you may have seen in the media, alongside Local Government Reorganisation, the Government has this week published its White Paper on Police Reform.

I welcome the White Paper’s emphasis on neighbourhood policing and the potential benefits of a National Police Service in improving consistency and performance. However, the core purpose of reform must be to raise standards and strengthen public trust. In Lancashire, strong local relationships and accountability are central to effective policing, and it is vital these are not weakened by larger structures that risk adding cost or complexity. Policing must remain firmly rooted in the communities it serves.

This week also saw my budget plans for 2026–2027 approved by the Police and Crime Panel. This follows my recent public survey, in which 66% of respondents said they were willing to pay an increase of £15 or more for a Band D property, equivalent to 19p per week for Band A or 22p per week for Band B, the most common bands in Lancashire, to protect local policing. This 5.4% precept increase is essential to maintaining investment in neighbourhood policing, safeguarding, digital and financial investigations, roads policing and modern IT systems that strengthen frontline services and improve outcomes for our communities.

Clive Grunshaw

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner 

Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Domestic Abuse PCSOs

On Monday, I announced a pioneering new initiative to support victims of domestic abuse, the first of its kind, launched here in Lancashire. The pilot in Preston, will introduce eight dedicated Domestic Abuse Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to strengthen Lancashire Police's front line response and enhance vital support for victims. 

These additional PCSOs will provide a trusted point of contact, offering reassurance, guidance and access to specialist services, while maintaining a visible and supportive presence in local communities.

We know that early engagement with victims is crucial to improving outcomes in the criminal justice system. These dedicated PCSOs will have the time and specialist focus needed to build strong relationships with individuals and families, ensuring their voices are heard.

This work directly supports a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan: strengthening trust and confidence in policing.

Taxi Licensing

Following my recent Safety of Women and Girls Survey, a significant amount of work is now underway. One of the strongest themes to emerge was that many women and girls feel unsafe when using transport, including taxis.

The Casey Report has also urged the Government to close the “out‑of‑area” licensing loophole and strengthen taxi standards to better protect vulnerable people.

Here in Lancashire, my Office has brought together licensing officers from across the county for the first meeting of Lancashire's Taxi Working Group. This new group has been established to share best practice and improve safeguarding within the taxi sector. 

This inaugural meeting marks an important first step toward creating a more consistent approach across Lancashire, helping customers better understand the differences between private hire vehicles, hackney carriages, licensed taxis and fraudulent drivers.

Domestic Abuse Related Suicides 

Domestic abuse‑related suicides are devastating and deeply complex. When victims feel trapped, controlled and unable to see a way out, the consequences can be tragic. We owe it to them and their families to ensure the law fully reflects the seriousness of this harm.

This is why I met with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Minister Alex Davies-Jones MP from the Ministry of Justice, Paul Greaney KC and Frank Mullane, CEO of AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) to discuss the scale of the issue and the gaps in current legislation. 

The prevalence of domestic abuse‑related suicides shows that our system is still not doing enough to recognise the profound impact of coercive and controlling behaviour. Meeting with ministers, legal experts and campaigners was an important step in highlighting where improvements are needed and why meaningful reform must follow.

Freedom for Violence and Abuse

Just before Christmas, I welcomed the Government’s long‑anticipated Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, Freedom for Violence and Abuse as an important step in addressing what is a national emergency. It represents the most significant crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.

The strategy rightly recognises that tackling VAWG requires a whole‑society approach. It brings together key partners across policing, local government, education, health and other sectors to deliver real, sustained change that addresses the systemic nature of these crimes.

A key element is the nationwide rollout of dedicated rape and sexual offence specialist investigators — an approach already well established here in Lancashire. Extending this model across every police force in England and Wales will help ensure a consistent standard of support for victims and a stronger, more focused pursuit of perpetrators.

VAWG Fund

Since launching my £177K Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Fund, I have been visiting as many projects across the county to see the impact of this investment. This month, I joined staff at Burnley Youth Theatre to see how they are using drama to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.

Developed with survivors, their performance follows a young girl’s experience of grooming and helps young people recognise early warning signs of abuse and exploitation. Addressing these topics can be challenging, which is why the theatre’s approach is so valuable in opening up safe, honest conversations.

I also visited Brownedge St Mary's High School in Bamber Bridge, where the First Kick Foundation is using VAWG funding to deliver a 10‑week behaviour change programme covering issues such as misogyny, coercion and victim impact.

Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour 

New Road Safety Strategy

This month, I responded to the Government's publication of its new road safety strategy, which confirms major reforms including mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers, a review of drink‑drive limits and a minimum learning period for new drivers.

Since the initial announcement in August, I have been engaging with Government and the DVLA to ensure these changes are robust, practical and firmly focused on public safety.

These proposals represent a significant step forward in making our roads safer. We have seen first-hand the devastating impact when individuals continue to drive despite serious medical conditions or poor eyesight, and these reforms will help prevent such tragedies.

Report Fraud

Report Fraud has replaced Action Fraud as the UK’s national reporting centre for cyber crime and fraud.

Launched by the City of London Police, the new service has been designed with the victim’s experience at its core, making the reporting process simpler, quicker and more accessible for everyone.

The new system makes it easier for people from all backgrounds to report cyber crime and fraud, reducing the burden on victims and speeding up the time it takes to submit a report. Victims will also receive clearer updates on what is happening with their case and will be notified when their information has helped protect others.

Anyone affected by cyber crime or fraud is urged to report it to the police via the Report Fraud service at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Youth Zone Funding

Prevention is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan, which is why I am investing £80,000 of cash seized from criminals into a new project that will enable outreach workers from Youth Zones across the county to deliver early-intervention and prevention work.

This two‑year pilot will see youth workers engaging with young people in town centres and hotspot areas across Blackburn with Darwen, Chorley and Preston for up to six days a week.

Youth Zones already play a vital role in supporting young people in Lancashire. Their work is built on trusted relationships, consistent support and providing a sense of belonging. This funding will allow them to extend that support directly into the areas where it is needed most, ensuring more young people have access to opportunities, guidance and positive influences that help them thrive.

Dangerous Dogs Guidance 

Postal workers are out in our communities every day and deserve to feel safe. Dog attacks can be devastating, which is why I have worked with Lancashire Constabulary and the Communications Workers Union to agree new guidance that strengthens how incidents are reported and how police respond.

This agreement provides postal workers with clear steps for reporting incidents, timely support and a consistent police response. By working closely with delivery organisations and listening to postal workers' experiences, we are helping to reduce risks, build confidence and ensure that dangerous dog owners are held accountable. It is an important step in keeping people safe across Lancashire.

ShopSafe Radios

This month, the Town Link ShopSafe Radio System was launched in St Annes. I funded this system to create a connected network of retailers, town centre staff and Fylde Police, enabling real‑time information sharing between businesses and the local policing team. This collaborative approach will help deter crime, reduce anti‑social behaviour and ensure rapid responses to incidents.

Through my Office, we are also developing the Safer Lancashire Business Partnership, which will launch in the coming months to further strengthen support for local businesses. Combined with the continued success of Operation Vulture, we are sending a clear message that those who commit crime will be caught and prosecuted.

Crime Expo 2026

On 26th March, our office will host Lancashire’s largest crime prevention event in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary and LANPAC at Ewood Park, Blackburn. The Crime Prevention Expo is open to community members and local businesses, featuring demonstrations of crime prevention solutions, expert advice from key organisations, and insights from specialist police units.

Get Tough on Serious Violent Crime

Lancashire Violence Reduction Network

Preventing serious and violent crime is a key priority within my Police and Crime Plan, but it is equally important that we are prepared to respond effectively when incidents do occur. That is why I recently supported the installation of a bleed cabinet at Preston North End. This equipment can provide vital and potentially life‑saving treatment in the critical minutes before emergency services arrive.

The installation is part of the work delivered through the Champions Programme, funded by my Office, which focuses on tackling knife crime and improving public safety.

Rebuild Public Trust and Confidence 

Scrutiny Panels

This month, my Office convened a Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel, alongside the Stop and Search and Use of Force Panel. Both panels are made up of independent members of the public who review data and specific incidents. Their work included assessing how custody services operate, particularly the treatment of detainees, including children and young people, as well as examining whether proper procedures are followed in stop and search and whether force is used appropriately. I am grateful to these volunteers, whose findings help identify areas for improvement and support ongoing enhancements to training and policy.

Independent Custody Visitors also play a vital role by carrying out regular unannounced visits to custody suites in Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool and Lancaster. Their observations inform the custody panels work and help ensure all detainees are treated with dignity and respect.

George Herbert Redmond Award

Each year, my Office facilitates the George Herbert Redmond Award, and I am very pleased to share that Rozila Kana, Culture and Inclusion Manager within the force, has been selected as this year's recipient.

Rozi’s work within Lancashire Constabulary and across the wider community is truly exemplary. She has played a significant role in improving community relations, breaking down barriers and strengthening public confidence and trust in policing. I am delighted that she is receiving the recognition she so thoroughly deserves.

I have known Rozi for many years and have seen first-hand how important her contribution is in fostering strong relationships between the police and the communities they serve. Genuine two-way dialogue is essential for building trust and confidence in policing, and for ensuring the service reflects and represents the public it is there to protect.

46 additional officers sworn in at Lancashire Police

My Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Kimberley, and I recently attended attestation ceremonies at Lancashire Constabulary, where we welcomed 46 new officers into the force.

It’s genuinely inspiring to see the passion and dedication our new officers bring as they start their careers. The public rightly expect to see more officers out on our streets—visible, engaged, and making a real difference and tackling the issues that matter most to people in their local area.