Voters prepare to elect new PCC for Essex

ON THURSDAY 5 May, voters in Essex will vote to decide who will be their next local police and crime commissioner.

After three-and-a-half years in the position, Nick Alston will not stand for a second term, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Essex Police Federation will be meeting all the PCC candidates in the run-up to the election.

Chairman Mark Smith said: “I’ve offered them an hour-and-a-half each and I’ll be asking them the same questions on behalf of our members. Where the conversation goes from the question is up to them, and I think by seeing where they go and the type of questions they ask back we’ll see the calibre of person, what they know of policing and whether they the type of person that we feel will be a good PCC.

“I’m interest to see what they say they’re going to do. I know it seems like quite a large, big question to ask, but it’s not a job for those banging on the guest list saying, ‘I’m going to do everything’, because it’s impossible.

“The cuts are there, I’d just like to see what their thoughts are around the cuts and what they intend to do when they come in.

“They are there, of course, to represent the public and to make sure that we’re giving good value for money, but I think they’re also there to look after the police officers and I’d like to see a bit more along those lines as well.”

Councillor Roger Hirst will stand for the Conservatives. Mr Hirst has said he believes “passionately in being tough on anti-social behaviour and reducing the disruption and distress it causes people; having zero tolerance for domestic violence and its impact on families; cracking down on organised crime and serious violence, and making the police more visible and accessible”.

Labour’s candidate is Chris Vince, a secondary school teacher, who has pledged to “stand up for our communities” and protect frontline policing from further cuts by the government.

“If elected, I will work day and night to make our streets safer and protect our communities from the very worst government cuts,” he said.

Bob Spink, for UKIP; Robin Tilbrook, for the English Democrats; and Martin Terry, an independent candidate, are also in the running.

In 2012, the voter turnout was just 15.1%, the lowest recorded turnout in peacetime history.

Mr Alston has said: “I hope – and expect – that there will be higher turnout in the PCC elections this time around.”