A new fund has been launched to help fund projects which will give Lancashire’s police officers the cutting edge in fighting crime.

The Police Innovation Fund – a strand of the Safer Lancashire Neighbourhoods Fund launched earlier this year – will support projects that make policing more efficient and effective, helping to deliver the Police and Crime Plan priorities and take the fight to criminals.

This comes after the launch of the Community Fund back in April, which is seeing bids from community organisations for projects taking the fight to criminals, protecting people and aiming to deter crime.

The Police Innovation Fund will consider applications from Lancashire Constabulary officers and staff quarterly and will be assessed by the Commissioner’s Office and Lancashire Constabulary – the Police and Crime Commissioner has the final decision on all applications.

The Safer Lancashire Neighbourhood Fund is, in part, funded by cash seized from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime.

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m really pleased that I’m able to support the great work and dedication of the people across policing in Lancashire, supporting innovative ideas that come from those on the front line dealing with issues and delivering the service that we all rely on.

“Since becoming Commissioner I have spent a lot of time with officers and staff across the force, seeing the vital part each bit of the organisation plays in protecting the public and taking the fight to criminals.

“I’ve also been struck by how passionate people are and the ideas that they have to make the Constabulary more effective, which is why I wanted to create a funding stream dedicated to supporting and implementing some of these ideas.

“As I continue to lead the fight against crime I will continue to work closely with the force and partners across Lancashire to deliver my Police and Crime Plan and ensure that investment into making people safer delivers value for money and, crucially, positive results that make a lasting difference.”

Deputy Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett added: “Our officers and staff are continually innovating to make sure we find new ways of fighting and deterring criminals whilst also giving the best possible service we can to victims.

“We also have a long tradition of excellent problem-solving work, including with partners, to tackle the issues that matter most to our communities.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the Police Innovation Fund and seeing great ideas from our staff becoming pro-active policing work.  It’s also particularly fitting that cash we seize from criminals will help to fund this new service delivery and keep our communities across Lancashire safe.”