Police and Crime Commissioners oversee how crime is tackled in their area and aim to make sure that the police and providing a good service. They do this by meeting with the public regularly to listen to their views on policing, producing a police and crime plan setting out local policing priorities, deciding how the budget will be spent, appointing Chief Constables and dismissing them if needed.
On Thursday 5th May 2016, the Avon and Somerset Police Area will select their next Police and Crime Commissioner who will serve for the next 4 years. In this election, you can vote for your first and second choice of who you want to win (supplementary voting).
I asked each of the 7 candidates a series of questions to help you decide who to vote for:
1) What relevant experience do you have for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner?
Kerry Barker (Labour): I, Kerry Barker have been a criminal barrister in Bristol working right across the region in serious abuse cases. I have vast experience of working with the police and the most vulnerable of victims in the criminal justice system. Prior to moving to Bristol in 1991 I ran magistrates’ courts, as a Justices’ Clerk and Chief Executive, for over 20 years and so also have extensive administrative experience in running a public service. I have seen at first hand the devastation wrought by government cuts and the actions of the current Commissioner.
Chris Briton (Green): Trained as a Probation Officer. Worked for Berkshire and Somerset Probation Services. Project Manager for Turning Point Somerset, a drug and alcohol advisory service. Manager of Mendip Children’s Centre. Specialist Substance Misuse Officer with Somerset Youth Offending Team. I have written hundreds of court reports and supervised hundreds of offenders on various orders including supervision of murderers released on Life Licence. I have run art groups in Young Offender Institutions. Also a protester against EDL, Iraq war, Badger cull, and Nuclear weapons.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): I have lead Bath and North East Somerset Council for 9 of the last 14 years. This has given me a considerable amount of experience in managing large public sector services. During this time I brought together Health and Social Care services to create a not-for-profit social care provider which is providing better outcomes and more efficiently. I have been a Councillor for 25 years and throughout this time have worked closely with the police on issues in the communities I serve. Therefore I can ensure that the Chief Constable is accountable and plans agreed with the community are delivered.
Aaron Foot (UKIP): As a local farmer, businessman and growing up near Bristol. I feel that my business background lends me well to dealing with budgets and staffing issue's. I’ve had an interest in policing since running a business and seeing how crime affects people and businesses first hand. I wanted to stand to make policing better for our community. We need to see more police on the streets to tackle the increase in crime.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): I have been the Independent PCC for Avon & Somerset since 2012, protecting the police from political interference. Previous, I was a magistrate for 15 years and on the Monitoring Board at Bristol Prison, ensuring prisoners were being dealt with fairly. I also ran a local business so I have management, business and judicial experience which is all necessary in being the PCC. The role of the PCC is not operational - the Chief Constable has direction of his officers. I set the strategy in consultation and hold him to account to deliver.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): Having recently retired having served 26 years as a Police Officer I believe I am the only candidate in this Policing area that has any relevant Policing experience. As someone recently quoted to me “someone that know the job, to do the job”. Since 2009, I have been Chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation looking after the welfare and well being of Police Officers up to the rank of C/Inspector, and with that role I have worked at the highest strategic level within the organisation, being party to many of the important decisions made within the constabulary.
Mark Weston (Conservative): I have significant management experience in the private sector as well as with telecommunications and financial sector. I have been a City Councillor for ten years gaining experience in scrutiny, representation and budget setting. I am leader of the Conservatives on Bristol City Council so am use to complex negotiations with those that may not share my views. I am a member of the Police & Crime Panel responsible for scrutinizing Police budgets and holding the Police and Crime Commissioner to account. I believe that I have the financial, teamwork, representational and leadership skills to do the job.
2) How would you plan to work with universities and their students' unions to make sure the views of students are heard?
Kerry Barker (Labour): Students now form a very important part of the population of Avon and Somerset. I would both arrange to meet with students and their representatives to discuss pertinent issues and receive their views. I would also want to have student representatives on the various consultative bodies for which the Commissioner is responsible.
Chris Briton (Green): Formal structures could be set up with all colleges/universities in the Police Force area. Annual forums, feedback questionnaires as well as direct contact. Liaison officers would be attached to each college. Direct communication with the office of the PCC would also be encouraged and not just to receive complaints but also about how to ensure students are safe and protected.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): Since 2002 I have maintained regular contact with both student unions. I marched with the students when they marched in Bath to make the streets safe and particularly raising awareness of rape. In Bath many good measure have been taken around the nighttime economy. I would spread this good practice so that young people felt safe wherever they were in the force area. I would commit to meeting with student bodies across the Avon and Somerset area on a regular basis and I would operate open access to all the ways that young people would wish to communicate with me.
Aaron Foot (UKIP): If elected on May 5th I would start work on setting up a task force which will involve local groups from the university to Neighbourhood watch. I feel we currently don't have enough imput from across the board and I want to change this. I am also looking at a partnership between Avon & Somerset and the university to work on projects like cyber-crime and how we can effectively reduce it.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): I will continue to visit Students' Unions and listen to their voices. I visited Bath SU where I held focus groups listening to students about their concerns such as assaults, abuse, harassment, neighbour disputes and safety in Bath at night. This informed our local police and a number of local patrols were increased. A number of Universities co-fund dedicated police Officers which has shown improved relationships. I believe there should be regular meetings between local police and students so that priorities can be agreed, actioned and delivered by the police.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): Firstly, I am a great believer there is great untapped talent within the Universities which I would like to make use of and recruit into the Police service, indeed if you follow the desired College of Policing model, every new recruit will have a degree in Policing studies. I think the views of students and the student unions has to be clearly heard, many years ago as a constable I used to have a good working relationship with both Bristol and UWE when I worked on their respective areas, which is why I believe there should be student liaison Officers.
Mark Weston (Conservative): Effective, two way communications. I will endevour to be open and accessible with regular meetings with representatives from both university and student groups to discuss priority issues.
3) How will you tackle sexual harassment such as unwanted groping, catcalling and sexualised comments?
Kerry Barker (Labour): These are important issues that affect not only students. The objectification of women in a still relatively male dominated society is serious issue. My professional experience has been that the Universities themselves have not been very good at dealing with these issues. What is needed is a real cultural change. The NSPCC has started to work with primary schools to try to bring about cultural changes in relation to domestic violence and the use of violence by young men against women. We need to start engaging at this early level also in relation to issues of sexual harassment.
Chris Briton (Green): Unfortunately, it is not only at colleges and universities where this happens. It occurs at workplaces, public transport, clubs, on the street. What is needed is a cultural shift where these behaviours are condemned by everyone. The police will get involved when an incident is reported and investigate but I appreciate victims may not always want to disclose to an officer but prefer to tell a friend or tutor. The college itself or a helpline could be available to help support victims. Discussions with a Liaison Officer about how to manage and resolve such incidents would also be helpful.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): Offensive low level antisocial behaviour needs to be tackled in partnership between the PCC and the Universities and the student unions to increase awareness and understanding of the hurt caused. Incidents of rape need to be investigated thoroughly and conviction rates for this crime must be improved. Young people need to have the confidence that when they report these sensitive issues they will be listened to and the complaints looked into and investigated properly.
Aaron Foot (UKIP): All reported incidents of sexual harassment must be investigated without fear or favour, particular attention is needed towards the sexual exploitation of children, especially over the internet, so I will be looking at improving investment to support this area of concern, developing greater awareness in schools and colleges and improving victim support, and strengthening our policing ability towards sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): Sexual harassment is a crime. First of all, I would ask you to report either through “Report my Crime” on Avon & Somerset Police’s website or phone 101. No one should put up with abuse which is why I have prioritised sexual and domestic abuse over the last 4 years. Have a look at www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk to see what has been achieved. Many projects have been funded from the Community Safety Grants and the Commissioners Action Fund to give a louder voice for victims.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): All that you mention above is unpleasant and unwanted in today’s society whatever the gender involved. The starting point has always got to be education, educating the instigators that such unwanted attentions is not acceptable in society, clearly should they fail to take the education route, then you have to start moving through the criminal justice process. I do go back to the student liaison Officers though, as it is always a good opportunity to give a presentation during fresher’s week to point out to new students, that you should neither be a victim or a perpetrator of such behaviour.
Mark Weston (Conservative): We need to ensure that those who are victims of, or witnesses to, these acts are able to come forward, supported when they do so and the incidents investigated. I believe that the best solution here is a collaborative approach between the Police, universities, Student bodies and other supportive organisations. If we are to truly tackle it then we need to ensure that we create a cultural change that doesn’t stand for such behaviour requiring education and communication. The same approach should also be taken with racism, islamophobia, anti-Semitism and similar forms of denigration.
4) How will you ensure the implementation of the Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015) doesn't alienate, criminalise and restrict the freedom of Muslim and BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) students?
Kerry Barker (Labour): By working with such students and members of the BAME communities generally with serving police officers and community support officers to have a much better understanding of cultural issues. As part of my plan to “bring policing back to the people” I would want to ensure that university and college students are aware of the officers who have responsibilities for their communities and how to have access to them. In Bristol and Bath and across the region there is a very poor representation of BAME members in the professions generally. We need to change that.
Chris Briton (Green): Prevent is a knee-jerk, discriminatory policy that risks everyone’s safety, and The Green Party has been campaigning for its replacement with a more effective, well-researched strategy. Prevent is undeniably Islamophobic, and it overwhelmingly targets Muslims without any real focus on other types of extremism. I think the Muslim community and it’s partners need to be in the driving seat when it comes to finding solutions to the problems of radicalisation.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): It is important that policing in the UK is by community consent. Therefore the application of the law must be and must be seen to be fair and impartial to all communities. I support the use of body cameras on all police staff so that a real time record is made of all interactions between the police and members of the public. I will ensure that recordings are available to an approved independent assessor reviewing any complaint being made. Where a law needs amendment, I will lobby Westminster and let the wider public know of my concerns.
Aaron Foot (UKIP): The Prevent strategy needs to be managed in a measured way, and must be intelligence led; I am determined to raise the profile of policing by improving transparency and accountability. I will develop a zero tolerance strategy to stamp out wrongdoing and malpractice in policing. There is a need to develop even greater links in our communities and encourage greater inclusion and understanding to raise awareness and empower local people regardless of their ethnicity or religion to take responsibility and pride in their community. I would encourage youth councils and youth crime prevention forums in schools and colleges to debate these issues and raise awareness.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): The CTSA has caused much debate and raised fear amongst many groups as well as students. I’ve attended these meetings and I’m fully aware of their concerns. If invited I will attend and discuss with the SU these fears and what the police can do to increase students confidence that these laws will be applied fairly. I am troubled about restricting the freedom of free speech. But with free speech comes responsibility and we are fully aware of the heightened security level. As the PCC I need to ensure that the law is applied fairly, without alienating communities.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): Honesty, integrity, openness and fairness, these are the key words that ring through any address I give, and should I be elected as PCC I would wish to have a clear understanding and working relationship with all the partners within universities to make sure there is no alienation within the university environment of anyone. Clearly universities should have a commitment to freedom of speech and advancement of knowledge, but there also needs to be due regard to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The obvious question that follows on is, “How do you identify a potential terrorist”?
Mark Weston (Conservative): The prevent programme is vital for the wider protection of the public but will require a multi-agency approach which by its very nature will have to include Islamic and BME groups. I will ensure such groups help craft the plan engaging with those individuals at risk. I will monitor the approach to make sure it is both inclusive and effective. Should members of the community feel it is failing or risks alienating those communities it is designed to help then clear lines of communication will be in place for these to be raised at the earliest opportunity.
5) What stance would you take on alcohol and drug misuse?
Kerry Barker (Labour): I have much experience of the damage caused to people by drug and alcohol misuse. Government cuts have lead to drastic reductions in the services available to help such users. I would campaign very hard for the necessary funding to re-establish these services and to improve awareness.
Chris Briton (Green): I would treat substance misuse as a health and social issue and not a criminal justice one. Decriminalisation and legalisation are important issues to raise within our communities and with the Home Office. I will be pushing for that. Problem drinking and problem drug use can be dealt with through a wide variety of agencies and therapeutic programmes. As the Manager of Turning Point 15 years ago I was responsible for a Needle Exchange scheme that was met with hostility by the public and sections of the press. However, the evidence was that harm minimisation works and just saying, ‘No’ was completely ineffective.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): On Alcohol - I would work with young people to educate them on the dangers of alcohol and irresponsible use of it. On Legal Highs - I am very concerned about these, especially with the word legal being attached to them. They can have serious consequences for users and I would work with Local Authorities to try and stop the sale of them. On drugs - I would concentrate and prioritise my resources on bringing the gangs and dealers selling hard drugs to court and getting them convicted
Aaron Foot (UKIP): Alcohol and drug addiction is a serious problem that needs greater investment in support and prevention services, including mental health. We need to develop a grown up debate about the drug issue and how we manage the problem in the future. I take a zero tolerance stance on illegal drug trafficking, more needs to be done to disrupt and stop the supply of illegal drugs on our streets, so I would be looking at strengthening our ability to catch and convict drug dealers and drug related offenders.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): Alcohol and drug misuse is a major underlying cause of much crime in society. Too many individuals, families and communities are blighted by substance misuse. We need to find ways to help before young people get criminalised. I have helped fund Project 28 in Bath which works with young people to find alternatives to drugs and alcohol dependency. The police are also piloting ways to caution people so they can attend drug awareness courses instead of being charged. The role of the PCC is to ensure the law is upheld. If you wish to change the law, contact your MP.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): Clearly each case has to be dealt with on its own merits, there are obviously guidelines as to how to deal with all situations of misuse, but more importantly that should not take away the discretion that is available to each Officer on the streets. As you will know, the misuse could range from simply being drunk in a public place right through to possession of drugs with the intent to supply, hence I believe each case has to be dealt with on its own merits.
Mark Weston (Conservative): I want to ensure that a robust but fair line is taken in which those that commit crimes are punished properly. However, a multi agency approach is needed to reduce the harm caused by drugs and improve the quality of treatment in order to maximise the benefit to individuals, families and communities. One where addicts get the support they need to help turn their lives around (this might be in conjunction with serving any subsequent sentence), but I will also ensure the wider public are protected from, what is for many, a completely irresponsible nuisance to the wider community.
6) What are your three biggest priorities?
Kerry Barker (Labour): My pledges are: 1. More officers on the beat – in rural communities, towns, on estates and in the inner cities. Officers who know their communities. 2. Better technology – to allow police officers to work where they are. 3. The reinstatement of specialist teams – to deal with child abuse, sex offences and domestic violence.
Chris Briton (Green): 1. Protection and safety of children and young people from physical abuse and sexual harm. 2. Decriminalisation/Legalisation of drugs. 3. Road safety and a reduction in deaths and serious injuries.
Paul Crossley (Lib Dem): 1. Reduce the burden on the police, by partnership working with Health and Social Care, to ensure that people suffering mental ill health get appropriate care and are not so often brought into the criminal system. 2. Increase police visibility in the community. 3. Reduce the cost of bureaucracy to allow more police.
Aaron Foot (UKIP): My three main priorities will be to revise the cuts to police numbers, stop people with mental health being detained and to tackle rural crime as we currently sit 7th in the table for the worst rural crime.
Sue Mountstevens (Independent): 1. Protecting police from political interference. If there is a party politician as the PCC who is run by the Government, the police will find it increasingly difficult to be impartial. 2. Protecting our most vulnerable against exploitation, abuse and neglect. 3. Increase resources to tackle cybercrime and strengthening local police teams.
Kevin Phillips (Independent): 1. Putting all victims at the heart of the criminal justice system, listening to victims making sure their views are acted upon. 2. Re assess and re focus the needs of Policing communities, wherever they may be across the Policing area. 3. But to achieve this we need to protect the protectors.
Mark Weston (Conservative): I am sorry but I do not have three, I have six – here they are: 1. Put the community at the heart of Policing 2. Protect our Police Stations & Custody Suites 3. Reduce Re-offending 4. Get greater support for victims of crime 5. Ensure Rural Crime is a priority 6. Tackle anti-social behaviour and drug crime
You can find more information about the election at www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk