DO YOU think Hampshire Constabulary should change its name to reflect the Isle of Wight?

New police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones, is asking residents to take part in her consultation on whether to change the name to include the Isle of Wight.

The commissioner has launched a consultation to ask if residents would back the name change and has written to the Home Secretary to request support for the change of name, as it would require an amendment to the Police Act 1996.

Ms Jones said: “Although separated from the mainland by the Solent, the Isle of Wight is very much part of the Hampshire policing area with much of the same community safety issues as other parts of the county.

"It is also a community with a strong sense of identity. I wish to promote their interests and respond to the concerns specific to the Island in a way that recognises their unique place in the area.

"In terms of the name, I don't want people who live on the Island to feel like they're a bolt-on to the mainland. They are not. The Isle of Wight is unique.

"I am asking residents if they would support the Isle of Wight being incorporated into the name of the force. There would be no rebranding exercise — the name change would be phased in.”

Ms Jones announced her intention on her first visit to the Isle of Wight as PCC.

To take part in the consultation visit www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/force-name-change