Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has branded the early release of prisoners a "dilution of justice", urging the Government to accelerate prison expansion rather than continue easing overcrowding by releasing offenders early. He said today: "Justice must mean justice. When a sentence has been handed down by a judge entrusted to determine the appropriate punishment, it is wrong that it can be effectively reduced simply because

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has secured an additional £195,000 to strengthen vital support services for victims impacted by the Government’s early release scheme, helping ensure they receive the protection, information and specialist assistance they need. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) funding will deliver dedicated support and interventions within the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC’s existing Victim First services to increase victim safety and pro

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has written to Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP to express concerns about the proposed appointment of a Commissioner Designate for the National Police Service. You can read the PCC's letter below. Dear Sarah Jones MP. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed appointment of a Commissioner Designate for the National Police Service ahead of the establishment of the National Police Service Board. I recognise the impo

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has now secured enhanced police patrols for market towns across Leicestershire, delivering on a key commitment to residents, businesses and local communities. By December, Market Harborough, Hinckley, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray and Ashby-de-la-Zouch will benefit from additional police patrols focused on tackling persistent concerns around anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, boo

More than 450 free home security devices have been distributed to residents through the Police and Crime Commissioner's Prevent and Protect scheme across two successful collection events. Held in Loughborough on 28th August and Thurmaston on 4th September, the events gave eligible residents the opportunity to collect a free WiFi CCTV camera, video doorbell or motion-sensor security light to help protect their homes from burglary. The eligible postcode areas were identified us

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has today (25 August 2026) named David Sandall as his preferred candidate for the new Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police. The announcement follows a robust and competitive selection process carried out in line with the College of Policing’s recruitment requirements. This included assessments by both internal and external stakeholder groups and an in-depth presentation and formal intervie

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has paid tribute to his dedicated independent custody visitor’s team whose efforts have helped secure a top national award. (L-R): Dame Anne Owers (ICVA Chair), Dharmista Dave (OPCC Assurance Officer) and Sherry Ralph (ICVA CEO) The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC’s Independent Custody Visiting Scheme is one of nine nationally to gain the prestigious ‘Platinum’ award in the Independent Custody Visiting Association’s (ICV

PCC funds crackdown on stolen tools following thefts from tradespeople’s vans and work sites A major new crackdown on the sale of stolen power tools at car boot sales has been launched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, directly in response to a rise in thefts from tradespeople’s vans and work sites across the country. Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has invested almost £54k in Operation Generator to tackle the growing problem, which has seen tradespe

People struggling with substance misuse who come into police custody will receive expert help to recover from addiction and turn their backs on crime thanks to a step up in drug testing. Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is increasing funding for the area’s Drug Testing on Arrest (DToA) service to boost testing capacity to divert more vulnerable people into treatment. The PCC is investing £200k in the service over the next two