Your views on the police

Yesterday I attended my first Devon and Cornwall Police & Crime Panel. It was very interesting but before I give you my views, I would like to hear your experience with the police. Good or bad.

Postal voters, take your chance

Over the last few days postal votes for the Cornwall and Devon Police and Crime Commissioner have been delivered. This is a very important role and if the wrong person gets in things could get scary quickly. I am supporting Brian Blake who is a former policeman and is standing for the Liberal Democrats  If you are a postal vote, please use your vote!

The ballot for this position is happening on the 15th

Well done Brian

Unfortunately on this occation, I have not been selected to stand for the Liberal Democrats to be the candidate for the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner. It was a very close vote and I would like to congratulate Brian Blake who will be going forward to fight for the Lib Dems. 

Question about problems facing the police

Q) What do you think the major problems facing the police force in the 2 counties are? 

Policing priorities poll

I have started a "policing priorities" poll on the right hand side of the blog. I hope that you will take a few seconds to let me know your priorities are for the Cornwall and Devon Constabulary. Feel free to just vote or leave comments too if you would like...

Question about community involvement

Q) Over the years, apart from either political or paid work, what has been your involvement in the community? 

A) I am a School Governor, member of the Bude Canal Marshes and Valley, Former honorary vice-president of Bude Cricket Club, I am part of a local natural Beekeeper group (I have Bees) and help with beach cleaning days organised by Surfers Against Sewage.

As the Police and Crime Commissioner, I will involve as many people and groups in making decisions, setting priorities, budgets and targets as possible. I will provide the important link between Police and Community.

Question about urban and rural areas

Q) Do you perceive any differences in policing needs & priorities between urban and rural areas? 

Question about demographics

In the interests of openness I will be posting questions that I have received regarding my campaign to be Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner. Interest has been high and I have received many questions, but will put them up one at a time, with the answer I gave.
Q) What do you think have been the greatest demographic changes Cornwall and Devon in the last 15 years? 

Reforming the police service?

Let me be clear, I do not feel the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner is to sweep in and tear the police service apart. Overall we have a very good police service and if elected I would look to build on its strengths and minimize its weaknesses.

Why am I standing for this role

I feel it is important that you understand why I am standing for this role. Below are just a few of the reasons I  am fighting to be Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner.

A fresh pair of eyes

While campaigning some people have said to me, "it is good that you bring a fresh pair of eyes to this new role, but don't you need to be a policeman to be the Commissioner?"

It is important that everyone understands that the Chief Constable, who has long experience & detailed knowledge of policing, heads the police service and will be in charge of operational delivery. 
The Police and Crime Commissioner is not just another police man, but someone who should see things from a different perspective, represent people and ask difficult questions. Having not been in the police service I would enter this role with no baggage and no preconceived ideas.

Video blog - thanks for the support!

Lib Dem members on why they are supporting me to be Police and Crime Commissioner for Cornwall and Devon 

To view the VIDEO click here 

To view the VIDEO click here 

Cyber Crime

As reported today by the BBC, the government has highlighted to businesses the importants of guarding themselves against cyber crime BBC - Business warned over Cyber Crime.

Freedom

We all want to be able to live a free life, but some of us take our freedom for granted. Having lived abroad, in a city with two million people and were the crime rate is really high, I do not.

Question everything!

My father is a professor in Bio-chemistry , he educated me to question things and have an inquisitive mind. He taught us to use lateral thinking, solving problem through an indirect and creative approach, and that mind sets can hinder the effectiveness and speed of problem solving. 

Protecting your civil liberties

Without civil liberties where are we as a society? Rights and freedoms are fundamental to building a free, fair and open society and protecting civil liberties lies at the heart of this.

Should there be a PCC?

This is a question that lots of people feel very strongly about. I personally wouldn't have picked a system that puts so much power in the hands of one person.

Cutting re-offending

Justice is not just about punishment (though it has its part to play) but it is also about rehabilitation and reintegration.

Supporting communities policy one

Here is a one of the many Lib Dem policies that I will endevour to deliver if I become the Cornwall and Devon Police and Crime Commissioner:

Squatters' rights

As reported on the BBC yesterday, from today it is a criminal offence to inhabit a house that does not belong to you.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-19429936

I welcome this change and frankly don't know why it has taken so long to make it. Caution should be taken when dealing with squatters who are homeless and in this cases, the Police must work with local authorities who have a legal duty to help those people.