John Tizard - Bedfordshire PCC

17/06/2026

It was good to attend Flitwick Town Council this evening.

We discussed crime and community safety. We agreed the importance of more youth services.

There was praise for the for its presence and responsiveness in the town; and acknowledgement of low crime levels

16/06/2026

📢 Community-led projects focused on prevention across Bedfordshire have been awarded funding through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) Grassroots Innovation Fund (GIF), following another highly competitive round of applications.

A total of 21 applications were awarded for the fund, which was launched in April this year.

The PCC continues to back innovative, preventative and experimental ideas.

The second tranche of the GIF focused on prevention, and it was very encouraging to see so many innovative approaches to preventing crime and improving safety, particularly for vulnerable communities. The projects across the whole of Bedfordshire will reach groups that do not often receive statutory grants. All grants were for £5,000 or less.

The GIF is designed to encourage organisations to bring forward their own ideas rather than working to strict funding criteria.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said:

“The volume and calibre of applications to the Grassroots Innovation Fund continues to be both impressive and encouraging.

“It reflects the strong sense of civic responsibility and creativity across Bedfordshire.

“I firmly believe that local people across our county are often best placed to understand and address the challenges they face.

https://orlo.uk/qEbMF

The PCC’s office will continue to work closely with the applicants to support delivery, monitor progress, and share learning from the projects as they develop.

For more information about the Grassroots Innovation Fund and future funding opportunities, visit our website https://orlo.uk/cS9Nz

Funding opportunities currently available.

15/06/2026

The PCC is proud to support staff and officers this Neighbourhood Policing Week. He said:

“Neighbourhood policing is vital. It represents both soft and hard-edged policing. The teams as the interface with the community. They contribute to problem solving, crime prevention and building local relations with residents and businesses whilst arresting criminals, investigating crimes and gaining valuable intelligence.

“At this time of heightened community tensions, irresponsible provocation, and misinformation, Bedfordshire’s neighbourhood and community cohesion teams are playing an especially important role in offering visibility and reassurance.”

09/06/2026

The PCC sends a message of solidarity with Sikh communities across Bedfordshire.

Thankyou to our Sikh sisters and brothers for your immense contribution to the social, economic, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of our county.

Let us say “no” those who seek to divide us and spread hateful misinformation.

Innocent Sikhs have been targeted across the country following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa, whose alleged use of a dagger resulted in the tragic death of Henry Nowak.

08/06/2026

Sadly during major sports tournaments there is a history of increased domestic abuse. Women are too often victims of abusive behaviour and violence.

This is wrong. It is criminal.

Let’s take measures and actions to prevent and tackle domestic violence during this World Cup.

Over the next few weeks, we should hopefully be enjoying some super Bedfordshire summer weather. We shall also be enjoying the World Cup...

04/06/2026

| Independent Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel (ICDSP) spotlight

Did you know that a group of dedicated community volunteers sit at the heart of how the Police and Crime Commissioner holds Bedfordshire Police to account?

Our ICDSP helps ensure that people held in police custody are treated with dignity and respect.

Over the past year:

☑️45 records were reviewed over the 5 meetings held last year, 40 records were graded green, 5 amber and 0 were graded red
☑Panel members review custody records as well as police data, scrutinise practices, and challenge whether powers are used fairly, proportionately, and in line with the law.
☑Their work provides vital independent oversight — helping build trust, transparency, and accountability in policing.

Interested in getting involved as a volunteer? Find out more here: https://orlo.uk/nntEO

03/06/2026

Independent Custody Visitor Spotlight:

Have you ever heard of an Independent Custody Visitor?

Our ICVs work to make sure those who are detained in custody are treated with dignity and respect. ICVs make unannounced visits to custody suites, they check welfare and they confirm that legal rights have been protected. Their independence is their strength.
• Independent Custody Visitors supported 82 visits to custody suites
• 439 detainees were spoken to by Independent Custody Visitors — around 5% of all detainees
• The panel is made up of 25 committed volunteers

Interested in becoming an ICV? Find out more: https://orlo.uk/6iZ9N

02/06/2026

🌟Celebrating our volunteers! 🌟

This National Volunteers’ Week, PCC John Tizard has expressed heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers who help keep Bedfordshire safe – from Special Constables and Speed Watch teams to members of vital scrutiny panels.

To recognise their invaluable contribution, volunteers supporting the OPCC were invited to a special awards event, where they received personalised certificates and thanks for their dedication to public service.

One volunteer, Everton Sutherland-Adebiyi, captured the spirit of the day perfectly:

“The event today was one of the most brilliant events I have ever attended. It was filled with lived experience, a lot of learning, a lot of passion and you’ve got different perspectives in the room from different people who are giving up their time to support the community – it was really uplifting.

“It was lovely to see everyone in one space, and I hope that we do more of this.”

Thank you to every volunteer across Bedfordshire. Your time, passion and commitment truly make a difference 💙.

More: https://orlo.uk/Pm9Of

02/06/2026

PRIDE MONTH 2026 🌈

Marking Pride Month, PCC John Tizard said:

"Human rights are for all of us, all the time: whoever we are and wherever we are from and whatever our sexual orientation.

"Pride month offers us the opportunity to celebrate our diversity, our solidarity, and our commitment to human rights for all".

02/06/2026

This month marks Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. The PCC said:

"Despite facing hateful discrimination in many areas of life, our Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities have long contributed to life in our county and our country.

"This month we celebrate that rich legacy".