CLEVELAND’S Police and Crime Commissioner is giving the area’s residents a chance to have their say on how the police should operate.

Barry Coppinger is urging the public to help him plan the way forward for policing in Cleveland. A Police and Crime Plan for 2013 to 2016 that sets out priorities for policing and how it will be delivered is currently being drafted.

The plan is based around Mr Coppinger’s five key election pledges to retain and develop neighbourhood policing, ensure a better deal for victims and witnesses, divert people from reoffending, develop better co-ordination and communication between agencies and to work for better industrial and community relations.

Mr Coppinger said: “Producing the Police and Crime Plan is one of my key responsibilities and what is important is that, as well as reflecting the priorities on which I was elected, it takes into account the views of all parts of the community and most importantly the public whom I and the force serve.

He added: "I hope that as many people as possible will be prepared to make a contribution to setting out the blueprint for ensuring that we are able to build a police service which truly reflects the needs and concerns of our local communities.”

For more information about the plan and to give an opinion on it, visit Cleveland.pcc.police.uk

People can also email comments and request a printed version of the draft plan by contacting pcc@cleveland.pnn.police.uk. The deadline for comments is Monday January 21.