Death Knell for Local Policing

I recognise that the role of Police and Crime Commissioners has been controversial. Too often people misunderstand and think policing is being undermined by politics, or that money spent on Commissioners could be better spent on the front line.

So, the decision to abolish Commissioners at the end of their term in 2028 will, no doubt, be celebrated by some. I will be replaced by an unelected official appointed by invisible councillors, with limited ability to hold your Constabulary to account.  

Be careful what you wish for.

Commissioners are the voice of the people and ensure local community priorities are tackled by police. Any issue that local people find important are political issues, so I never have a problem describing myself as a politician. Passionate to deliver on my manifesto and what the residents of Gloucestershire want to keep them safe.

During my time in office, my team have worked hard to ensure lots of new funding is directed towards the Constabulary, which would never have happened if Commissioners did not exist. In fact, we have raised more than enough money to cover the costs of my office. So, getting rid of us would not generate a single extra officer.

In fact, over the last four years, my team has helped get the force out of Special Measures in record time. The Constabulary has increased in size by over 200 officers, the budget has been balanced, despite a serious shortage of money from the Government to pay for all our personnel, anti-social behaviour has been cut by over 50%, there has been a focus on protecting victims and tackling male violence against women and girls, and 999 and 101 answer times have improved significantly.

In the few years I have left in the role, I will put renewed effort into improving police productivity at the national and local level, as outcome rates and solved crime percentages leave much to be desired. A shortage of national funding has been compounded by a lack of investment in ethical leadership throughout policing.

I was asked on the radio what achievement I am most proud of. Without a shadow of a doubt, it has been my focus on local priorities, public service, helping the Constabulary climb out of the deep hole it was in when it was in Special Measures, so that in the not-too-distant future its performance could outshine its peers.