This in from the office of Simon Hayes. Ed
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes comments on Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s speech
“The Labour Party has officially always been against the concept of Police & Crime Commissioners, so Ms Cooper’s statement yesterday was nothing new. I believe she’s wrong in her approach, and mistaken to pander to a populist understanding of the effects Police & Crime Commissioners have on their communities.
“Frankly, Ms Cooper’s policy takes us back to the old centrally controlled policing model operated by previous Government – not interested in local people far from Westminster.
“I think it right that through PCC’s, the public – should they wish – now have a direct influence on the policing they receive; it’s modern and increasingly attractive. People, who find out about my role, see it’s not just about hiring and firing the Chief Constable. Increasing numbers are saying they support my agenda of youth work, education, crime prevention, reducing re-offending and supporting victims.
“They see it as a real agenda for social change across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Never before, have ordinary people been able to influence change for the better in this way.
“Some PCC’s will be better than others; some MP’s are better than others. People should judge their PCC and decide their own personal view of the role, not simply accept prejudiced views from commentators paid to be controversial. PCC’s are not yet two years old and our benefits to the community are only just beginning to show through.
“We should protect ourselves from more Central Government control that has let society and our young people down so badly over generations.”
Image: chathamhouseunder CC BY 2.0
