VOTE: X ANA SAVAGE GUNN
NORTHANTS
POLICE, FIRE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER.
SCROLL TO SEE WHY!
ON THE FRONT LINE DURING COVID:
During the first lockdown Ana was on the Frontline Nursing Covid positive patients at a care home.
During this lockdown (2021) she is a Covid Clinic Co-ordinator managing a Primary Care Network vaccination centre in Moulton, Northampton.
(pic taken when car parked, engine off, keys remove)
WHY CHANGE?
2016-19 Policing Performance collapse (evidenced in HMI report 2019)
HMI Inspection reports:
report has 3 key areas:
- Effective' fighting crime, keeping public safe.
- 'Efficient' force.
- 'Welfare' of Staff & Public.
2016: Passed 2 of 3 areas. (current PFCC elected)
2017: Passed 1 of 3 areas
2019: Passed 0 of 3
Failed in all three areas!
(see following page of report in detail)
When interviewed by Sarah Ward for NN Journal the current PFCC's response when confronted with the failing report was:
"We are not determined by what HMIC says" and went on to say "HMIC is not the arbiter of whether Northants Police is good"
***I commit to making improvements in all key areas. I will listen to HM Inspectors, To Northants Public and to the PFCC Panel. I commit to raising police/fire officer's morale and welfare. ***
2016-19 Fire Performance collapse (evidenced in HMI report 2018/19)
HMI Inspection reports:
report has 3 key areas:
- Effective' keeping public safe from Fire & Other Risk
- 'Efficient' keeping public safe from Fire & Other Risk
- 'People' Looks after its people/staff
2016: PFCC Elected
2019: Failed all 3 key areas
Failed in all three areas!
HMIC criticised: Response times; too few fire engines; lack of training; poor prevention & protection work; lack of senior officer training. Poor staff review, development and promotion. lack of diversity.
***I commit to making improvements in all key areas. I will listen to HM Inspectors, To Northants Public and to the PFCC Panel. I commit to passing our next Fire review ***
INTEGRITY
2 years into his term he called a fire engine to his house to have his patio repaired which was damaged by a family member.
***I will act with integrity. I will not expect police or fire to come to my home and treat me as a special case.***
EMPIRE BUILDING
The current Commissioner spends 7.18 million as Commissioner. That is more than 10 times the old Police Authority system (694,000). 6 million pounds represents 240 Police officers (@25,000pa)!
He employs 90 staff. His office takes one of the biggest portions of the police budget in the country (proportionately) compared to other forces.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-37349612
In January 2020 he offered a job for
£120,000 per year for 'Transformational Director'.
Which represents 5 Police officers taken off the streets.
***I commit to spending less on the Commissioners office than the current commissioner. The money saved will be spent on front line policing and fire fighting***
LACK OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
'Police are failing to investigate Burglaries...' (HMI Matt Parr) Police do not visit every burglary.
***Burglary is one of the most invasive crimes. We all know someone who has been burgled. I will work towards making sure that EVERY burglary gets a visit. It is the least we should expect.***
'STEPPING STONE' to further office
The current PFCC hails from Oxfordshire. Stood for Parliament in 2012 in Derbyshire but did not get elected. In 2016 stood to be Police, Fire Commissioner here in Northants.
The Labour candidate also made a failed run for Parliament in 2019.
***I will not use the office as a stepping stone to higher office. I have no intention for running for any other office than Police, Fire Commissioner of Northamptonshire. I was born here, work here, live here, volunteer here. My sole agenda is to improve policing and fire services for the people of Northants. Nothing more, nothing less.***
KEY AREAS
Crime fighting, Domestic violence and Women’s safety with a strong lean towards community policing(especially in rural communities).
I commit to putting more Police on the streets and putting more resources where we need them most.
Dog theft is up nearly 3-fold and has massive emotional impact on their owners. My office will provide a liaison/Intelligence officer to coordinate thefts and sales.
I will give the Chief Constable and the Fire Chief the tools to pass both their next HMI Inspections with flying colours
The police and fire officers of this county deserve a Commissioner that believes in them, supports them and ensures they have what they need to do their job.
I am proud of our police and fire services. Now give me the chance to make you proud of them too.
BIOGRAPHY
BORN AND BRED
Ana Savage Gunn (nee Starcevic) is Northampton born and bred. She has 3 brothers and a mother, who all still live in Northamptonshire.
Her mother was originally one of the ‘Call the Midwives’ in Barking, London. Then transferred to Northampton General Hospital. Her father set up a business in Northamptonshire in manufacturing over 60 years ago which is still thriving today and was taken over by two of her brothers. Her twin brother is a local barrister.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL POLICE EXPERIENCE
She joined Northamptonshire Police in 1985. A Tutor Constable, Force Trainer, Supervisor of the Northants Tactical Firearms Team. She had the honour to provide protection to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the Prime Minister and several Cabinet members.
She rose to the rank of Inspector where she had operational charge of a substantial policing area and commanded and responded to Major Incidents involving : Terrorism; Fatal road traffic collisions; Suicides; Hostage situations; Public Disorder; Drugs; Surveillance and Major Fire Incidents.
During her policing experience she served all over the County of Northamptonshire: Daventry; Towcester; Corby; Wellingborough; Northampton and Kettering, so has a wide knowledge of the county.
In 1994 was 'seconded' Security Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 and became Protocol Advisor and Venue Security Manager. She gained a 'green card' in the U.S. as an ‘Expert in her Field’.
Unfortunately, she suffered two pulmonary emboli stemming from a previous neck injury obtained during an assault whilst a Northants police officer. After the games and on returning to the force was medically retired. She was understandably crest fallen but decided to put her experience to good use as a Law Enforcement Consultant in the U.S.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS WOMAN
She later diversified, building a sizeable property development business. She still has business interests and properties in the U.S.A. and U.K. She is now running for fire and police, fire & crime commissioner ( PFCC ) in the May 6th local elections in Northamptonshire.
EDUCATION
Master of Arts Degree (Northampton University)
Royal Society of Arts Certificate ‘Counselling Skills’.
HOBBIES
Trials for England at Hockey (late 80’s)
Ex-National League Hockey Player
Indoor Climbing
Yoga
Park Runs
Abington Community Choir
Moulton Voices Community Choir
Whilton Warblers Choir
Vintage scooter renovator/rider
VOLUNTEERING:
Fire Service Volunteer
Ambulance Service Volunteer
Age U.K.
MHA 'Stay at Home' Charity
HMI Report on Northants Police Highlights: Serious Concerns
Summary from HMI Zoe Billingham
HMI's observations
I have concerns about the performance of Northamptonshire Police in keeping people safe and reducing crime. I am especially worried about the force’s efficiency, and how effectively it investigates crime and protects vulnerable people. In view of these findings, I have been in regular contact with the chief constable because I am aware how much needs to improve.
The force needs to improve how it prevents crime and anti-social behaviour, and how it engages with communities and partner organisations to solve local problems.
The force is not investigating crime effectively. I am concerned about the standard of investigations and the lack of scrutiny by supervisors and senior managers. The force doesn’t always respond to vulnerable people quickly enough, so it could miss opportunities to safeguard people at risk.
The force’s limited understanding of demand for its services is worrying. It needs to remodel processes that supress or hide demand. It needs a much clearer understanding of its workforce’s skills, and those it will need in the future. This will help the force plan how to use its resources more efficiently.
The force continues to uphold an ethical culture and promotes standards of professional behaviour well. But I am concerned that it doesn’t always comply with legislation when it detains people in custody. It should make sure it is accountable for detention facilities and that they are well governed, including relating to the use of force.
My overall assessment is that Northamptonshire Police’s performance has declined since our last inspection.
Victims: 'Doesn't support victims'
'The force doesn't support Victims as well as it should'(HMI Zoe Billigham, 2019 report)
'The force doesn't always respond to Vulnerable people quick enough so could miss opportunities to safeguard vulnerable people'. Try as they might, the officers are lacking resources and support.
Crime: 'Not investigating crime effectively'
Poor Crime Investigation.
Poor Crime Prevention
Poor Community Involvement
Welfare of Police Staff: 'Needs to improve...wellbeing'
The chronic underfunding over the last 10 years and lack of support has had an impact on officers who are dedicated and committed ( Just watch '999: Whats Your Emergency').
HMI commented that staff 'doesn't have the resources' which leads to Low Morale:
She commented, Northants police 'Needs to improve the wellbeing among its workforce. It will then be able to offer more and better support to staff.'.........
Promotion seen as unfair by Police Officers and staff.
Performance appreciation lacking and poor career development.
(for link to report see below)
IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE:
Policing and Firefighting should not be Political
The safety of the community is paramount and should not be compromised by Politics or electioneering.
Autonomy
The fire & police crime commissioner should have the freedom to make decisions without being beholden. The safety of the Public of Northants should be the priority. Although I am running on behalf of the Liberal Democrats they believe, as do I, that community should be of Primary importance. They do not believe that the role of PFCC should exist and nor do I as Politics has no place in Policing. The evidence of the PFCC taking 7.1 million from the Police and Fire budget is an illustration of Politicians are weakening our front line, our essential workers.
Serve the people, not themselves
The office of police crime commissioner should not be used as a political 'LAUNCHPAD' for other elections or political posts.
PFCC ( PCC) should be motivated to serve the public of Northants and not their own political aspirations.
Public Service
The post holder should have a stake in the community and serve the public. They should live in Northants, have worked in Northants and be involved in the community either through work or volunteering. They should have a vested interest.