The election of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be one of the toughest that Hertfordshire will face.
Following a disappointing set of local elections last year coupled with current predictions we face in the polls, it is vital to select a candidate with the political, campaign and communications experience to return a Conservative PCC for Hertfordshire and build on the progress made since 2012 under David Lloyd.
The public have historically trusted the Conservatives with law, order and justice - and rightly so. We must therefore have a Commissioner who can fulfil the full functions of the role, to elevate it further and be able to identify the issues Hertfordshire faces and implement the right solutions.
Should you select me as your candidate, my 5 overriding principles for Office would be as follows:
1. More Police.
Building on the work already in place, we need to continue to recruit and retain more officers and increase visibility and patrols – all whilst expecting the highest of standards of our police and holding officers to account.
2. Cut Crime.
Continuing to reduce crime further by targeting specific types of crime - making Hertfordshire even safer.
3. Justice for Victims.
Speeding up court processes and a greater emphasis on restorative justice to deliver for victims.
4. Reduce Reoffending.
Work with a wider range of partners to target and identify individuals to help prevent crime with a focus on rehabilitation.
5. Value for Money.
Delivering on these principles while delivering value for money for Hertfordshire taxpayers.
With these five principles, I would lead a number of campaigns and programmes in collaboration with the police, local authorities, charities and a wide range of partners to highlight the current issues that Hertfordshire residents face in order to cut and prevent further crime.