PCC for Bedfordshire John Tizard appoints Umme Ali as his new deputy

Ms Ali’s appointment was confirmed at the meeting of the Police and Crime Panel yesterday (Tuesday).

Umme will focus on supporting the PCC to develop strategies to reduce violence against women and children which will be a core mission in his forthcoming police and crime plan. Umme will also champion victims and ensure that they are put at the heart of policing and wider criminal justice system.

In this role Umme will be drawing on her experience. Ms Ali has been the Councillor for the High Town ward of Luton since 2021 where she is an Executive of the Luton Council. She also works as a Specialist Paediatric Dietician at Addenbrooke's Hospital as well as acting as a trustee at the Luton Foodbank and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: "I am delighted that Umme is going to be my deputy. I know that her experience, energy, commitment and values will bring significant benefit to the people of Bedfordshire.

“Umme’s track record for championing victims of crime and in particular exploitation in the High Town ward of Luton in recent years demonstrates a passion and drive to my missions. 

“Umme will support me in fulfilling my duties and complement my skills and experience and I look forward to working her over the next four years to promote a fairer and safer Bedfordshire through effective action to secure social and criminal justice.” 

This appointment comes as the Police and Crime Commissioner begins his work on the development of the next Police and Crime Plan, due to be launched later this year.

The document will advise on the strategic direction of Bedfordshire Police and highlight the importance of resourcing community policing, tackling violence against women and girls, and combatting the root causes of serious and violent crimes such as knife crime.