Topics discussed at the session, which was organised and chaired by Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine, included:
- Appointing a senior officer to every district and borough in the counties
- Retaining strong neighbourhood policing in the counties of Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Positive progress on sharing back office services with Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Fire and Rescue
- How new funding from the Government's innovation fund and Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes is enabling Hampshire Constabulary to become the first in the world to issue body-worn video technology to all uniformed officers
MPs welcomed progress tackling rural crime and the 90 year sentence for three men in connection with the murder of Jahmel Jones in Southampton.
The importance of crime figures being recorded accurately and ethically was also agreed.
At the session Mr Marsh warned that further cuts, beyond the £80m to be delivered by 2017, would inevitably lead to a reduction in the quality of service offered to the public.
Afterwards, Mr Marsh commented: "It is encouraging that we have a group of MPs who are so interested in public safety and support plans to cut reoffending, protect vulnerable people and create a hostile environment for criminals. "These sessions give me another perspective on what the public wants from its police force and are an opportunity to demonstrate that Hampshire Constabulary is in good health, offering value for money and the highest recorded public satisfaction."
Steve Brine added; "These are challenging times for the force in Hampshire as they adapt and change the way they are working to meet demand in a time of austerity. Fortunately, we have a well run force in Hampshire that delivers high public satisfaction. Sessions such as this are important for us MPs to understand the choices faced by the Chief Constable and it was useful to be able to ask a wide-range of questions. When you have nine MPs in a room there is never a shortage of those."
MPs attending included: John Denham, Southampton Itchen - Caroline Dinenage, Gosport - Damian Hinds, East Hampshire - George Hollingbery, Meon Valley - Dr Julian Lewis, New Forest East - Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North - Desmond Swayne, New Forest West - Sir George Young, North West Hampshire. Those MPs who were unable to attend the session will also receive briefings via Steve Brine's office.
Pictured; Steve and other MPs at the meeting, held in Portcullis House, listening to Andy Marsh.
More information ...