A NORTH Yorkshire police boss - who urged women to be "streetwise" in light of Sarah Everard's murder - has issued a further apology.  

Philip Allott issued an updated statement on the North Yorkshire police, fire and crime commissioner's website. 

The commissioner said he "would like to reiterate [his] heartfelt apology" - adding that he has "much to learn".

Mr Allott wrote: "I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology for my comments on BBC Radio York on Friday 1 October, which I realise were both misconceived and insensitive and have caused upset and distress. I have withdrawn the remarks.

"Clearly, I have much to learn, so as well as committing to working ever more closely with subject-matter expert colleagues in my own organisation and beyond, I will be seeking meetings as soon as possible with local partner organisations across North Yorkshire and the City of York that provide services to tackle male violence against women and girls, in order to deliver on their concerns and broaden my understanding of the issues.

"I also pay tribute to the ongoing work by North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner to keep North Yorkshire and the City of York safe and to support and protect victims and the vulnerable.

"I was elected to this role to help keep our communities safe. I have made addressing violence against women and girls across North Yorkshire and the City of York one of the key priorities in my forthcoming Police & Crime Plan. I would like to offer reassurance to our communities about the steps already being taken and the work underway."

  • The police chief set out how over 1,000 police officers in the force had been on the 'domestic abuse matters' training course this year. 
  • Meanwhile he said nearly 100 'domestic abuse champions' have been created with further specialist training. It hopes to improve identification and enhance safeguarding measures for victims.
  • 20 of these officers now leading continual ‘domestic abuse matters’ training with others to ensure long-term sustainable improvements.
  • Mr Allott said he is "developing a whole family approach" to supporting domestic abuse survivors - and creating a "holistic package of support for those impacted."
  • He is jointly commissioning the Sexual Assault Referral Centre services for any victims of rape, sexual assault or abuse.
  • He is working with North Yorkshire Police to balance out gender representation in its workforce - through recruitment and retention. 

Mr Allott added: "I hope that all those reading this statement will accept my apology and the commitment I have given to my own learning – and to driving forward positive progress in keeping our communities safe."

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