Devon & Cornwall PCC elections are here
Tomorrow, people across Devon and Cornwall will be choosing their first Police and crime commissioner (PCC). The role has been created to ensure the policing needs of your community are met as effectively as possible and to oversee how crime is tackled in your area.
The elections may well have been surrounded by a certain element of controversy, from whether the should be taking place in the first place to the lack of resources given to the candidates and even the amount of information supplied to the voters. However, vote you must or your voice will not be heard.
To help you decide who to vote for we asked the ten candidates to answer a few questions about themselves.
Brian Blake, Liberal Democrat
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
Policing is a very complex business nowadays. I am a former Det. Chief Inspector in this force and I understand policing and what the public should expect from their Police Service. I can spot when that is not taking place.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
I still have strong sense of public duty and are nor quite ready for the slippers and armchair.
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
My three priorities are tackling anti social behaviour, drugs and crime which i believe are joined at the hip, and supporting victims and the vunerable.
I am against any private involment in the Police Service shareholder profit has no place in the public sector.
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
The current chief is acting in the rank and without a substantive Chief Constable then the crime and policing plan cannot be written nor the budget set as he or she will have to implement them.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
The police face the challenge of re-engaging with the public with police station closures and lack of visible patrols this is a big issue
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Graham Calderwood, Independent
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
I decided to stand as soon as the post was muted, I thought Commissioners would involve the public at last in their Policing. Commissioners replace "invisible" Police Authorities and I welcome the public being consulted about a Force we can be proud of but which will need efficiencies and steamlining, especially in view of the cuts.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
My experience as a solicitor and duty solicitor for some 40 years is the most relevant and recent experience at the "sharp end". I see the process as cases build up in the interviewing or suspects and the court process where I prosecute as well as defend some cases. I know the ways we can improve as I see it first hand;sometimes critically from the suspect's side.
I would bring first-hand knowledge of the process that brings cases all the way and to Court. It is what I do and I have lots of ideas to improve and speed up the process so we get "bobbies" back on their beats where they are needed to stop and solve crime.
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
Alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are the cause of so much crime as with money spent on such, families go short or someone steals , burgles ; gets into violence. Violence on our streets concerns so many of our citizens and it is drink-fuelled.We need to get the right balance as we deal with offenders in some ways other than going to Court and in realtively minor cases restorative justice is so effective as it gets the police back in the community and they become regarded more as friend than foe in so many instances .
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
I have no agenda for privatision but have no idealogical reason for or against it. Services TO but not BY the Force could be "outsourced " but only if it is very cost effective ; gives improved service and does not enable confidential information to be compromised. Cleaning and back room services might be possible candidates but anything I have enquired about for electors seems inappropriate or would involve too small savings to make it worthwhile or carries risks.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
There is much to be done but my priority is to cut down on alcohol and drug abuse (which is behind so much crime and disorder) with the help of the voluntary sectors. Provided the offence is not too serious, I would re-introduce the scheme whereby after admitting their crime offenders can go to a drug or alcohol agency. Now however, they would have to actually engage there to earn a caution , restorative justice or some other disposal without Court involvement. So many are not registered with Doctors to get help directly themselves: this guidance, engagement and treatment will be monitored and will start the procees and reduce crime
We have a Force of dedicated men and women who go about their duties generally of course unarmed and we are rightly proud of them.They complain about paperwork and bureacracy which we must try to reduce so they are back on the "front line" . They can engage with the public more through neighbourhood watch and for first and minor offences we can encourage restorative justice which involves the Police in a less aggressive way and builds community spirit which includes them with their public.
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Ivan Jordan, Independent
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
I am standing for the role of PCC because this is a crucial time. The Police Service is not in good shape. Numbers are falling, morale is very low, and that is reflected in our satisfaction with the Police. The election itself is huge opportunity for direct democratic governance, without involving Westminster Politics. As I state on my website, when I realised the likelihood that a Political Party was going to take the PCC role, or the Old Boys Network, I had to put myself forward.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
The unique qualities I bring are that of professionalism at its highest. I have included a biography on my website, outlining my qualifications and experience. I am a chartered architect. I deliver great projects for my clients their families and communities, under intense budgetary and time management pressure. I know how to carry people's vision, and demand the best from those who must make it real. The parallels between the role of the PCC and an architect are striking, and I also bring a business nous to the role that none of the other candidates have - very important at a time when the Service is facing huge cuts.
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
The three most important issues that need to be tackled are: Prevention, prevention, prevention, of crime - This fundamental to all policing. We must be pro-active, stopping crime before it happens. We will achieve that through partnerships with other agencies, as explained on my website, by taking every report of crime or anti-social behaviour seriously, and drawing investment from the private sector for initiatives such as Social Impact Bonds, which could help recruit more PCSOs for our communities.
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
I stand very firmly against the privatisation of the police, and I did so from day one, as can be seen on my website. I believe the constabulary should operate together as one team, notwithstanding there may be different specialities within that. At the very least, I believe operational involvement, such as control room, should be police officers dealing with each other, so everyone knows the job, and no corporation can influence matters covertly.
My first priorities when elected will be to seek revenue streams from private companies, for Social Impact Bonds or similar methods, so that we can recruit more PCSOs. I will also review all partnerships with other agencies, such as the NHS, local authorities, and the charitable sector, enabling, welcoming and demanding that they get involved in delivering safer communities.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
The biggest challenge facing our police officers is stress and isolation from their communities. As their numbers have been cut, crime is starting to rise, and they are constantly fighting battles - it is known as fire brigade policing. They don't want to police like that, we don't want them to police like that, but we are paying now for not investing, and we must find ways to reinvigorate our community policing. Every crime has a victim and can not be undone, so we must re-focus the energies of our constabulary on the prevention of crime as a priority.
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William Morris, Independent
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
This post is an opportunity to help the vulnerable in our society, the vulnerable are the young and the elderly, The largest number of of victims of crime are the young themselves. I see the world of the police as the guardians of our rights and our freedoms, including that of freedom from fear.
I stand as an independent candidate because I believe that this post should not be party political. There is no place for party politics in the control of the police force and I am proud of the fact that Devon and Cornwall has the largest number of independent candidates in Britain.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
I am the only candidate who has committed to a wide range of specific policies in my manifesto. I therefore believe that I am the only candidate that can bring clear leadership at a time when the police desperately need all the help and support that they can get. I stand for zero tolerance policing in areas where street crime is out of control and for more help and support for the young who are themselves the main victims of crime. For example I will set up the only dedicated detox centre for under 21’s who are addicted to alcohol.
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
This post has been established so that the police force and in particular the Chief Constable can be called to account; so that policies may be set that reflect the aspirations of the people of Devon and Cornwall and give clear direction to our police force. Currently the three most important issues to the electors of Devon and Cornwall are:
1. Anti social behaviour
2. Sexual offences
3. Bobbies on the beat
These are therefore the areas that I will prioritise, all the more so because I too share these concerns.
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
There is an obsession with privatisation that has become almost a religion, for example the public private partnerships in some of our hospitals - and at what immense cost to the tax payer? Police staff are people who deliver their best, it is not up to us to throw human beings onto the scrap heap and further demoralise our police force. I do not support any move towards privatisation of the police services. This is especially in the case of core police activities, including what is usually referred to as administrative work. There are certain, specialised aspects of police duties, such as photo identification and some advanced forensic analysis for which outside contractors are being used. In principle, I would favour handling as much of these under the direct supervision of the police but will be guided by the advice of the Chief Constable and other police professionals as to any adjustments which might be in the public interest.
What will be your first priority if you are elected as Devon & Cornwall's PCC?
To regain the confidence of our police force and increase police morale as a pre-requisite before I introduce the targeted zero tolerance policy that I view as essential in order to address street crime.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
I hesitate to state the obvious which is that our police officers are profoundly challenged by the cuts that they are facing. Sadly, however most violent crime is alcohol related and most acquisitive crime is drugs related. We live in an era in which year on year violent crime is increasing by 10% in Devon and Cornwall and sex crime by 12%. The police are overstretched and under
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John Smith, Independent
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
I have always had a great interest in policing and comparing other countries, the way in which the police can support or destroy democracy and individuals. In the 1820s, Robert Peel laid out a set of absolute principals for policing that are as important today as they were then. I have always worked with and for people and I stand for this election to support those Peelian principles and to try to ensure that the Devon and Cornwall Police Service remains as a highly efficient and a totally respected body.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
Experience: - I have experience as the last Chairman of the existing Devon and Cornwall Police Authority and eight years of membership of that body. In that time I have been accountable for huge multi-million pound budgets and have worked with police officers and staff, right through the organisation and at all levels of seniority. In the late 1900s I was involved in training police officers and also, for ten years, I was Principal of an Observation and Assessment Centre – with a remand function - and inevitably had a great deal of police contact!
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
Crime in Devon and Cornwall is relatively low. This is due to very dedicated work by police officers and a sensible staffing level that, amongst others, I fought for, in my time on the Authority. The Government is set on imposing budget cuts of 20% on policing – this will have an impact of staffing levels and this, in turn, will have an impact on crime. Alcohol and drug dependence will continue to blight lives of many and will tend to encourage acquisitive crime. Unemployment, low incomes and despair within families, will be likely to cause other acquisitive crime, together with domestic violence and abuse.
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
I am instinctively and emotionally against the privatisation of policing. I can think of no parts of the police service that would be better done by private companies than by properly trained, fully vetted staff and officers. By its nature, much of police work is confidential and even if we could save a little money through privatisation, I think the public would wish to pay a little more for a fully professional, trusted service than for a bunch of amateurs. Though we do have to continue to strive for maximum efficiency, profit is not a proper motive for any part of a police service.
What will be your first priority if you are elected as Devon & Cornwall's PCC?
Within the first three months the Commissioner will have to set the budget; appoint a Chief Constable; clarify the structures, the staff and the priorities of the Commissioner’s office and finally write the policing plan. The most urgent of these is, without doubt, the budget. My personal priority, for next week, if were elected as Commissioner, would be to meet the people involved in policing in Devon and Cornwall – this is a people business and it would be essential to met with and listen to, the team.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
There really isn’t just one – the challenge is made up of a number of different pressures. Budget cuts and staffing pressures within the service are a huge challenge. Satisfying the public’s wish for a reduction in anti-social behaviour – often committed by older people and, at the same time, to maintain high visibility policing. Dealing with the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. Coping with a society within which too many people feel side lined and impoverished. Dealing with their own feelings of frustration and demoralisation as their terms and condition are eroded and they are left feeling less valued.
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Nicky Williams, Labour Party
What made you stand for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
I have seen the difference community policing can make in my work as a councillor. By working in partnership with the Police our local community dealt with antisocial behaviour and a gang culture. I want to see that approach across our two counties.
What do you think you can uniquely bring to the role?
As well as experience in running a multi-million pound budget, my strength is in working and reaching out to communities who need to have a voice in how their local area is policed.
What do you think are the three most important issues that need to be tackled with regards to crime in Devon and Cornwall?
1. The savage 20% cut to our budget by the Government means we will have to work together in partnership across all our councils, health services, community groups and Police to deliver effective policing.
2. The response I get from people I listen to on the doorstep is that although we have a relatively low crime region, antisocial beahaviour has to be a top priority.
3. Tackling domestic violence is really important. It is often a hidden crime. We need to make it easier for people to report domestic violence so that this can be tackled.
Are you for or against privatization within the police force and can you tell me why?
Strongly against. Policing is a public service, not an opportunity for profit. It might look like you might make savings in the short term, but in the long term our money would go to pay bonuses, not Police Officers.
What will be your first priority if you are elected as Devon & Cornwall's PCC?
Getting to grips with the budget settlement for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and lobbying Government for a fairer settlement.
What is the biggest challenge our police officers face in today's society?
Delivering public service when the Government thinks public service comes second to profit.
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The Exeter Daily would like to thank all the candidates who responded to our questions. Sadly, not all candidates did, so here are the previously prepared statements the remaining five candidates provided for the election.
Brian Greenslade, Independent
I have robustly opposed the introduction of PCC’s. I believe this encourages party politics in policing, concentrates too much power in the hands of one person and is costly. However we are where we are.
I am standing because I have considerable experience of working with communities and police & crime issues. A former Chairman of the Police Authority and until recently the Resources Chairman. I am used to large public budgets which routinely end each year with a small surplus. During my time as PA Chairman I led the work which increased Officer numbers from 2,800 to 3,500 and introduced PCSO’s. I am an Accountant by profession.
I have also played a national role as a board member at the Association of Police Authorities which included representing Police Authorities on the board’s of the National Police Air Support & Child Exploitation on line Protection and the Home Office High Level Working Group for Police Finance & Efficiency.
As PCC I plan to start rebuilding Officer numbers and protect funding for PCSO’s. I would also lobby to have the dampening of the Police Grant removed. Community engagement at all levels would be a priority to really understand the diverse communities of the area.
Partnership working with the voluntary sector, public, private and police partners is critical if we are to give the public the visible, effective, responsive and reassuring Police service they need.
Open & transparent decision making by the PCC supported by two part time PCC’s for Cornwall, Isles of Scilly & Devon would be the way I work.
Tony Hogg, Conservative Party
Why do you think you are the right person for the job?
I believe that my career as a Royal Naval Officer and my more recent experience in the voluntary sector working with “hard-to-reach” young people is an ideal background to prepare me for the job of PCC. I have managed multi-million pound budgets and managed a work force of over 3,000 but I have the compassion to understand the needs of those less fortunate. I am not a career politician and I believe my approach to securing the best funding and finding the best solutions for Devon and Cornwall will yield better results than others.
Why are you standing as a Conservative?
I am a Conservative Party member; I vote Conservative and believe the Party most closely represent my views. I believe it is important that the electorate know that, but I am probably more independently minded than other candidates!
What is your view of the role?
Some criticise the role and express disappointment at losing the old Police Authorities constituted of appointed councillors, but very few residents knew who these people were. In future the public will have a say in local policing priorities and the commissioner will be directly accountable to them. I believe this makes sense.
What will be your priorities when you are elected?
- Clear leadership to lift police morale
- Tackling serious crime by having a police force, not a police service
- Visible policing with the public playing their part too
- Early intervention to turn around the lives of young people
Tam Macpherson, Independent
The relationship between the Police, Criminal Justice System (CJS) and politics is close, complex and highly controversial. We must ensure that party politics are not the dominant part of the equation. Our police service should not be permitted to become aligned with the priorities of a political party. The principal aim should be to bring the voice of the people into policing and the justice system. As Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) I will lead and bring together concerned community groups to identify the causes and effects of crime in our community.
Here in the West Country we are all feeling the pinch of job losses and price increases. Equally, effective policing is constrained by the realities of officer reductions and a fixed budget. Any prospective PCC would be foolish not to recognise this and work within these restrictions.
We are in a period of austerity, and by maintaining the operational independence of the Chief Constable, the police service and CJS, I will ensure that the influence on their performance is community not party politics based. However, I believe that a police service must connect and be identifiable at a local level. Serious consideration should be given to establishing two separate, operationally independent, police services for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly and Devon.
As an Independent PCC, I will ask probing and testing questions of the police and the CJS and in doing so hold those responsible to account. Through a balance of transparency and scrutiny I will achieve an improved police service and a more effective justice system.
“The future of our police service and justice system should not be decided on the crack of a partisan whip or the colour of a party rosette!”
John Smith, Independent
I promise that if elected:
- I will maintain an effective community based Police Service to clamp down on anti-social behaviour – Neighbourhood Policing teams, Police Community Support Officers, Neighbourhood Watch – the eyes, intelligence sources and the ‘first responders’ of the Police Service.
- I will maintain those teams that work at protecting the vulnerable – adults, children and the handicapped, detecting offenders (violent and non-violent) and drawing up the evidence to bring them to justice.
- I will ensure that victims are properly supported.
- I will support systems, such as restorative justice, to reduce offending and re-offending.
- I will press Government for a greater share of Police funding but with decreasing budgets I will use my local government experience and record of service and project delivery, to create partnerships with other forces, local councils and other key services, to get best value.
- I will maintain our area as a civilised, low crime place to live and I would use more volunteers to support our Police Officers. Police serve their communities first – they are our service.
- I will keep politics out of Policing – I stand for this Office as an ‘anti-politics’ independent candidate. I would create and maintain a Commissioner’s Office that is free of all political influence.
- I know and understand the issues facing the West Country and have lived here for most of my life.
- I pledge that I will always seek out your opinion before making key decisions – I intend to provide:
- Highly visible policing
- Measures to deflect people from offending
- The means to resolve serious crime
- Support to our Police Officers
