West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones is holding his first “Skype surgery” between 3pm and 4pm on Friday 9 August 2013.
Anyone can book a Skype call with Bob Jones during this time to discuss anything relating to crime, community safety and policing in the West Midlands. Skype offers the caller the opportunity to speak face-to-face and privately with the Commissioner without having to come to one of the surgery sessions that are held across the West Midlands.
Anyone who wants to book a Skype call with the police and crime commissioner should call the office on 0121 626 6060 or send a message via the website (http://westmidlands-pcc.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=43d59569d85e5cdd0fb3ea0f9&id=536d7ae5f0&e=da22154111) . A broadband internet connection, a device with a webcam (tablet, PC or laptop for example) and Skype account (http://westmidlands-pcc.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=43d59569d85e5cdd0fb3ea0f9&id=cab5c60f34&e=da22154111) are required.
Speaking about the surgery, Bob Jones said, “I’m a firm believer in being as open, transparent and accessible as possible. Social networking and electronic communications will never replace meeting people in person, which is why I hold face-to-face surgeries across the West Midlands, summits that the public can attend, and invite questions from the public at Strategic Policing and Crime Board meetings. However, these channels aren’t convenient for everyone, and new technologies like Twitter, webchats and Skype enable more people to be involved. West Midlands Police has pioneered the use of social media to increase public engagement, and I’m following on their coat tails.I encourage people to contact the office to book a Skype call so they can get their views, experiences and issues across in a way that is convenient yet also still face-to-face and private.”
