The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) met with a group representing people with learning disabilities and autism in Peterborough to discuss policing concerns.

Darryl Preston, the PCC, met with Speak Out Peterborough to hear their concerns.

The meeting was part of an extensive consultation into a new Police and Crime Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The commissioner was keen to understand how the group accessed police services.

At the meeting, the group shared positive experiences, such as the police's assistance in finding a missing family member, but also raised concerns.

Mr Preston said: "As Police and Crime Commissioner, the most important part of my job is to listen to the voice of local people.

"As I produce a new Police and Crime Plan for the county, I want to ensure the priorities included respond to local needs.

“Meeting members of Speak Out Peterborough was a great opportunity to understand how autistic people and people with learning disabilities feel about the police, what they need to be able to confidently ask for help when they need it, and how important it is that the service adapts to their circumstances."

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The group emphasised the importance of clear communication and understanding of disability.

One member said: "I haven’t had much to do with the police, but I do like to see them out on the street.

"I feel safer because I know I have someone to go and talk to if something goes wrong and I need help."

However, they questioned whether the police were the appropriate body to carry out welfare checks, as uniformed officers can be intimidating and distressing for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

The PCC responded that progress had been made in ensuring appropriate support for people through the Right Care Right Person scheme.

Mr Preston said: "While there will always be cases where the police need to be involved in responding to someone in mental health crisis (for example, where there is a real and immediate risk to life or serious harm, or where a crime or potential crime is involved), Right Care Right Person ensures the right person with the right skills, training and experience will respond."

Concerns were also raised about stop-and-search procedures.

Mr Preston said that volunteers now spend time watching body-worn video footage through the county’s independent Community Scrutiny Panel to ensure stop-and-search procedures are being carried out correctly, and to provide any learning to officers where appropriate.