Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner goes on shift with armed officers

The officers are based across the county protecting the people of Lancashire from the biggest dangers we face and meeting them at Lancashire Police Headquarters in Hutton, the Commissioner was shown the specialist equipment and vehicles used and heard about how they work operationally.

He then joined officers out in the community, as they prepare to offer support to response and neighbourhood officers as required.

During the shift, the PCC went to several locations as the armed response team supported on warrants for arrest.

Mr Snowden also saw new kit purchased with funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner last year, to assist when forced entry is required, such as during drug raids.

Speaking afterwards, the Commissioner said: "Thankfully the need for armed officers to withdraw their weapons is rare and the actual firing of them even rarer, but it is comforting to know we have dedicated, skilled and committed officers ready to protect us all day and night.

"Since becoming Commissioner almost a year ago, I have spent a lot of time meeting officers of every rank, from every department to hear for myself how I can support them to deliver the best possible service for Lancashire.

"This then feeds directly into my conversations with the Chief Constable and his team as I hold the force to account as the publics voice in policing.

"My Police and Crime Plan priorities were developed thanks to input from the public about what is important to them and I’m determined to get it delivered.

"That's why I will continue to get out and about with officers and staff across the force, as we work together to get tough on criminals and make Lancashire an extremely hostile place for offenders."

Following his election last year, the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner announced his Police and Crime Plan covering a £300m, 10-year commitment to overhaul police critical infrastructure, including sustainable new fleet, police stations and training facilities, digital and cyber capabilities, alongside hundreds of extra police officers delivered through the Government’s uplift programme.