Thursday 15th November 2012

Today will see historic elections take place, as people throughout the UK vote for the first time for Police Commissioners for their area.

Last month The Chesterfield Post reported on what that means in real terms (story HERE) and today, we publish the manifestos of the four candidates for Derbyshire Police.

Once elected the winning candidate will take over the functions of the Police Authority, overseeing efficient and responsible policing in his or her area and also be responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account and setting budgets and allocating assets for their force.

Alan Charles - Labour

Alan Charles (left) is one of 4 candidates for the role in Derbyshire - and is the Labour Party candidate.

His manifesto is based around fighting crime, protecting communities and supporting the police. Alan says...

"As Commissioner I will:

• Fight against further cuts beyond the 20% to Derbyshire's police budget
• Keep Policing Public in Derbyshire - No G4S Style Privatisation Here! If there are efficiencies to be made, I will make them in-house and reinvest cash savings back into policing Derbyshire
• Sustain Community Policing across Derbyshire - and work with Local Community Safety Partnerships to find local solutions to local anti-social behaviour problems
• Stand Up for Victims, Vulnerable People, and Take Seriously Domestic Abuse - work with victims to improve the experience that future victims receive from the police and criminal justice system. I will ensure that robust procedures are in place to protect families and sufferers of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes
• Work with Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Organisations - to explore ways to aid life improvement and prevent entry to the criminal justice system
• Plan Safer Roads for Safer Communities - working with road safety professionals from the Police, Council Highways and Highways Agency teams
• Tackle Wildlife Crime and Cruelty Towards Animals - working with the RSPCA in developing effective prevention strategies
• Ensure a Great Place to Work and provide Great Service to The Public - offering a high quality worthwhile career and maintain the highest standards
• Ensure Residents See Value for Money in their Police Services - by constantly looking for better ways to provide this most essential of public services

My Contract with Derbyshire...

I pledge that my priority, first and foremost, is to keep Derbyshire and its communities safe.

It will be an honour to serve our county and our communities as your Police and Crime Commissioner."

Read Alan's full manifesto and commitments on his website
www.ac4pcc.org.uk and follow him on Twitter - @ac4pcc

David Gale - UKIP

David Gale (left) is the UKIP candidate.

He says his message is clear - " 'More Bobbies on the Beat!' is the resounding message that I'm hearing from every section of our community.

"Well, it's time to listen to the people who pay the bills and help the victims not the criminals.

" I will say 'No to Privatisation' and deliver a focus on value for money at force headquarters that will see the savings channelled straight back into front-line policing. 

"Having been thoroughly briefed by the Chief Constable and his team, I am now confident that under my leadership, barring another round of major government cuts:

• I can make a commitment to have 50 more police officers on the beat within my four year term of office.
• My top three policing priorities will be:
  - Anti-social behaviour
  - Gang -related crime
  - Drugs
• I will also direct that Householders who defend their home from intruders should not fear arrest.

"Born in Derby, I am a company director and ex-full time operational police officer with 25 years experience of delivering strategic leadership and business transformation in large public and private sector organisations.

"I have extensive experience of delivering neighbourhood services that include the police, council services and the voluntary sector, not just in the UK but across the world.

"I have specialist experience in protecting vulnerable children, as well as holding public sector agencies and government to account.

"The new Police Commissioner must be a proven leader who can deliver real accountability to the people of Derbyshire.  We need real change led by someone equipped with operational police experience and a proven business track record who is used to holding organisations to account.

"As Police Commissioner, I would be proud to represent the people of Derbyshire and deliver 'More Bobbies on the Beat!' "

David's Website: www.DavidGaleUKIP.org.uk

Rod Hutton - Independent

Rod Hutton (left) is an Independent candidate and says his reasons for standing are personal.

"I resigned as a Special Police Sgt - with the Metropolitan Police Service in the summer of 2012 after 19 years service.

"My offer to you is a mixture of a Policing and business/commercial skillset which make me a qualified and experienced candidate for this role.

"I will ensure that Derbyshire people have a voice in ensuring you get best value out of your Police service and Community Safety initiatives.

"This full time role demands knowledge of Policing - inside and outside of the organisation, the role of the voluntary sector and community safety initiatives. I have those skills and will use those for the benefit of our communities.

"I have had significant experiences in the setting up of specialised Police units during my previous Police service and these have had significant positive impacts on local community issues.

"Together with my business and commercial skills of stabilising businesses which are going through tough times, it is knowledge and experiences such as  these that are key to a better application of this role.

"I moved to Derbyshire in 2005/6 with my partner to start a family since her family live in Ripley, and I continued to commute to London to perform my Police duties at the weekend."

Rod's website: www.rod4derbyshirepcc.com

Simon Spencer - Conservative

Simon Spencer (left) will stand for the Conservatives and has this message for voters...

"I am the Conservative choice in the Police and Crime Commissioner election for Derbyshire.

"I was a fire-fighter in Derby for nearly 18 years and now run one of the oldest family firms in the County.

"I already serve the community as a County Councillor and feel, with this background, I have the right credentials for this vital job.

"The Commissioner will be able to bring greater accountability and transparency to policing and make more efficient use of police resources.

"The election marks the biggest change to policing in over 100 years and I feel that having a Commissioner will help reconnect the public with the police at every level.

"I believe passionately that this new role will give people a far greater say in policing and how it is delivered in their communities.

"I pledge to:

• Reduce crime
• Make Derbyshire people safer and
• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our Police Force

"If I am elected, I will be your representative and I will want to hear your views about how you see policing being delivered in Derbyshire in the future.  If you have been a victim of crime then your feedback will be particularly relevant and welcome.

"This is why this election is so important, because it is you who has the opportunity to change policing by voting for a single elected individual who will represent your views.

"Throughout its history, the Conservative Party has always championed law and order.  Put your trust in me on the 15th November and I will champion law and order for you.

Simon's website: www.simonspencer.org.uk
Simon's email: info@simonspencer.org.uk

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