More police on streets hope of election winner
LABOUR VICTOR ALSO WANTS TO SEE TRUST STRENGTHENED
DERBYSHIRE’S new Police and Crime Commissioner wants to see an increase in officer and PCSO numbers across the county and is “dedicated to strengthening public trust in the police”.
Nicolle Ndiweni was voted in as the county’s new commissioner for the next four years after the Labour candidate saw off Conservative incumbent Angelique Foster in last week’s election.
The PCC is an independent elected position charged with securing efficient and effective policing over their force area, and Ms Ndiweni won by nearly 30,000 votes, with 93,260 to Ms Foster’s 65,293.
Reform UK candidate Russell Armstrong collected 32,944 votes and David Hancock, for the Liberal Democrats, 22,540. The overall turnout was 26.9 per cent.
On her website, speaking before the vote was announced, Ms Ndiweni said: “To ensure that individuals are protected from harm, and have the necessary support when they need it, I want to see an increase in police officers and PCSO numbers across Derbyshire, so residents are safer and see the positive changes that come with investing in our public services.
“It is important to me that we have more neighbourhood police, resources and the technology we need to help tackle crime in our communities, but I know that collaboration is key to achieving our goals.
“By working together with residents, the police force, partnership organisations, community leaders, businesses, and the government, we can build a safer and stronger community. My hope is that, through a fair and holistic approach, we can reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, promote preventative initiatives, and provide support to victims and those impacted by crime.
“Our region has often been overlooked, and many communities and public services have suffered from being underfunded or cut completely.
“Little to no youth services available, funding for third sector organisations that support our justice system decimated and victim support reduced too.
“By actively engaging with the community, I will ensure that your voices are heard and that we prioritise the needs of our residents.
“I am dedicated to strengthening public trust in the police and driving innovative and progressive policies that will transform lives and protect families.
“Though challenges may vary, but I am confident that we can address the needs and aspirations of all areas of Derbyshire, taking a strategic approach to community safety and policing. Together, we can create a safer, fairer, and more inclusive future for Derbyshire.”
After the result of the election, she said: “I feel exhausted because it has been a long and tiring campaign travelling the whole of the county.
“But the experience has been eyeopening and people again and again have been telling me that policing is not working and is getting worse.
“My new role is going to bring challenges and I am hoping that cross-party cooperation will help. Facing the challenges and wanting to make difference is why I stood for this position.”
“I have spent months listening to residents across Derbyshire, in our villages, towns, rural communities and city. I understand and share their community safety and policing concerns and I believe everyone should feel safe no matter where they live, work or study in our region.”
She added: “It is important to restore public trust, confidence and pride in our police service, which is imperative.”