Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, and Chief Constable Gareth Wilson are staging a series of public meetings across the county through the coming months – and are encouraging Suffolk residents to attend.

There will be a meeting in each of the seven district and borough areas.

The meetings are an opportunity for the public to ask questions and to find out more about policing in the county.

Tim Passmore said: “Public engagement is hugely important in this role and I make myself available to anyone who needs to speak to me through one-to-one surgeries, and directly via e-mail and on the phone, but it is equally important to have these bigger meetings where people can question me in a more open forum.

“I do hope people will accept this invitation to come and find out more about policing.

“Gareth and I will be pleased to discuss any matter that arises.

“I am hoping for an open and frank two-way dialogue, so please spread the word as I really want to encourage a good crowd.”

Each meeting will involve a quick overview from Mr Passmore and the chief constable or his deputy before the public have an opportunity to ask questions.

Also present will be a senior police officer, responsible for policing in the local area, to add operational context.

All meetings start at 7pm and there is no need to book.

The Ipswich meeting will be held at Nansen Road Baptist Church, Nansen Road, on Thursday, May 10.

Residents of Forest Heath are invited to attend the Brandon House Hotel, High Street, Brandon on Thursday, May 24.

Suffolk Coastal District Council residents are invited to the meeting at the Town Hall, Felixstowe, on Thursday, June 7.

The meeting covering the Babergh area is at Hadleigh Town Hall on Wednesday, June 20.

The Mid Suffolk meeting is at the Cedars Hotel, Needham Road, Stowmarket, on Wednesday, July 11.

The meeting covering Waveney will be held on Monday, July 9 at the Wherry Hotel, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.

Residents living in the St Edmundsbury area are invited to the meeting at the Newbury Community Centre, St Olaves Road, Howard Estate, Bury St Edmunds, on Thursday, July 12.