Outgoing PCC warns against complacency in the force across South Yorkshire
Dr Alan Billings is officially retiring today after nearly a decade in the role
The outgoing Police & Crime Commissioner is warning there can be 'no room for complacency' in the force across South Yorkshire.
Dr Alan Billings is stepping back from the role as of today - after nearly 10 years in the position.
He has these tips for his successor:
"My advice would be you must remember if the force is performing well, that's not a reason for relaxing things.
"They need scrutiny, and they need to be held to account.
"This is to make sure the force doesn't fall back into negative habits.
"The job is to make sure the police are doing what the public want them to do.
"When I first started as the PCC for South Yorkshire ten years ago, they weren't in a good place.
"The force was put into special measures, but now they're amongst the top performing police forces in the country.
"It's down to the mayor now to keep it that way.
"The main challenges in future will be around resources. There's a clear shortage at the moment.
"More officers are in place now compared to a few years ago, but the finances are still very stretched."
The responsibilities of the PCC are being taken on by South Yorkshire' Metro Mayor - Oliver Coppard - from today onwards.