Police commissioner hopefuls set out priorities for the job
MORE OFFICERS, INCREASED VISIBILITY AND TACKLING VIOLENCE ARE AMONG PLEDGES
ENSURING officers are more visible on the streets and targeting violence are among the priorities set out by those hoping to get one of the top jobs in Nottinghamshire policing.
Voters across Nottinghamshire will be heading to polling stations on Thursday, May 2, to decide who their next Police and Crime Commissioner should be.
Taking place on the same day as the East Midlands Mayor election, there are three candidates standing to be Nottinghamshire’s next Police and Crime Commissioner. The role was created in 2012 and was first held by Paddy Tipping on behalf of Labour.
Mr Tipping held it until 2021, when Caroline Henry won the election for the Conservatives. Mrs Henry is seeking re-election, whilst Gary Godden is Labour’s candidate and David Watts is the Liberal Democrat candidate.
All three candidates have now set out in 200-word statement why they should be elected on May 2. The role of Police and Crime Commissioner involves duties such as preparing a five-year police and crime plan, setting the annual budget for Nottinghamshire Police, appointing and dismissing Chief Constables and setting the council tax people pay towards policing.
PCCS usually serve for four years, but the last election was pushed back due to coronavirus and pushing back the upcoming one would have required a change in legislation.
Below are the statements from all three candidates, presented in alphabetical order in terms of surname.
Gary Godden – Labour
I HAVE proudly called Nottinghamshire home for over 25 years, where I have dedicated myself to serving and protecting its residents. With my 15 years of experience as a police officer, and now working within the NHS, I understand the complex nature of our communities.
I know first-hand how to keep people safe. My pledges are clear and actionable.
I will rebuild neighbourhood policing by recruiting more officers and establishing named officers for every community, alongside the creation of community hubs.
I will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, bolstering neighbourhood policing,
enhancing community intelligence, and implementing problem-solving strategies to increase convictions.
I am dedicated to tackling violence against women and girls through partnership working, empowering communities to report crimes, and implementing robust monitoring of violent perpetrators in collaboration with the court system.
I will combat knife crime by establishing Young Futures hubs and collaborating with local authorities, integrated care boards, schools, and youth services to provide effective interventions.
I will prioritise road safety by targeting speeding and reckless driving,
implementing zero-tolerance policies on drink and drug-driving, and working tirelessly to reduce car fatalities.
A vote for me is a vote for a safer Nottinghamshire for us all.
Caroline Henry – Conservative
AT THIS election, you get to choose who runs your policing budget for another four years. Who backs our brave officers, but is not afraid to challenge when they’ve got it wrong.
And who instils a culture where we back victims over criminals. I’m a Conservative because I believe in tough policing. No messing around.
I’ll be honest, sometimes nationally we don’t get it right. But here in
Nottinghamshire, you have someone local fighting for you.
I stand up for local people and for common sense. For example, when others said it couldn’t be done, I listened to Newark and saved the police station from closure.
Making the money work – I have ensured every penny of your tax money is spent wisely to deliver more police, safer streets for Nottinghamshire.
Under my leadership Nottinghamshire Police numbers have increased by 10%. As a result, crime has been falling. Total recorded neighbourhood crime continues to trend downwards in comparison to this time last year, and still sits over a third lower than the pre-covid baseline level. But I know there is more to do. This election matters. We’ve made real progress to deliver – let’s not put that work at risk now.
David Watts – Liberal Democrat
HONESTY, Integrity, Experience, Ability and Competence: The key attributes needed to be a successful Police and Crime Commissioner.
Nottinghamshire Police are in special measures. We need a Police and Crime Commissioner who can get to grips with this and raise standards. I believe that I am that person.
I have worked in criminal law for over 35 years. I have degrees in Business Law and Criminal Justice Studies so I am both a solicitor and a criminologist. I am a previous leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and so I also have experience of running a large organisation.
In Nottinghamshire we need police who serve the local community, visible and accessible to local people. It’s no good having officers hidden away in offices and police cars. It also means that crimes must be investigated properly. When a crime happens people don’t just want a crime number, they want the police to investigate it and catch the people responsible.
I can bring honesty, experience and integrity to the role. If elected I will use my experience and training to ensure that the police provide a quality service for local people. I would be honoured if you would place your trust in me.