Khan Juna out of Thames Valley police commissioner election, The former chairman of the Thames Valley Police Authority has pulled o Options

[Ruwan Uduwerage-...]

Khan Juna out of Thames Valley police commissioner election

The former chairman of the Thames Valley Police Authority has pulled out of the police and crime commissioner elections.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19952511

The question has to be ask, just how democratic and inclusive the Police & Crime Commissioners elections are, that are due to take place on 15th November, when someone who clearly has a great depth of knowledge and experience in policing issues, but has no party political backing has to withdraw from the election process as a result of funds?

The PCC programme has been railroaded through from within the Tory ranks of the Coalition Government without being tried and tested, and I cannot see how replacing the Police Authority (that currently contains political and independent members) with one politically influenced person is going to increase public confidence and participation.

As a former police officer, I am only too aware of the need for police reform, but the introduction of PCC's is in my opinion a retrospective step, and the outcome will be akin to the Chief Officer, in days gone by, having to ask to 'Lord of the Manor' for their (uneducated) opinion on policing matters.

Policing today is not as it once was a blue collar occupation, but requires its membership to be highly educated in criminology and criminal justice issues, motivated and professional. Replacing the Police Authority with someone who has limited or no understanding of policing or the criminal justice system, plus has no job specific qualifications, academic or otherwise, will lead either to, the Police & Crime Commissioner being overwhelmed by the advice of the highly skill senior police officers (all of whom, possess the former qualifications), and influenced totally by their opinions, or the total opposite, whereby the PCC, simply cannot be advised, for they know best, as they were allegedly elected by the people. In few cases do I foresee the middle way approach happening.

Hopefully, when the next Government is elected, and lets hoe that it is not a Tory one, they will be able to undo the damage done to our police service, and the rest of the public sector by the current Tories.

[Ruwan Uduwerage-...]

The candidates in the Thames Valley area are:

Patience Tayo Awe is an independent candidate with a "passion for volunteering and serving the community".

An IT post-graduate, she has worked in various sectors and has also served as a charity trustee.

If elected, she wants the public to help set local policing priorities and give victims of crime a voice "with the hope of transforming painful memories into powerful motivators and sources of strength".


Barry Cooper wants police cuts to come from the top down
UKIP candidate Barry Cooper graduated with a masters degree in history and currently works at his family-run luxury furniture business in London.

The 35-year-old admitted he has no professional experience within law enforcement but said expertise can be brought into a team and it is the ideas, common sense and willingness to reform he can bring to the table.

He promises to lobby against further budget cuts to the Thames Valley force and ensure funds are spent in the right places, with any cuts coming from "vanity projects" and the top down.


Geoff Howard wants people to help determine local police priorities
Geoff Howard is a Slough-based businessman, magistrate, school governor and former borough councillor of 13 years.

He wants to be the voice of the people and represent the interests of the community.

The Independent candidate hopes to make the role accountable to the public at a time where police forces are having to manage efficiency savings placed upon them by central government.


John Howson said he knows what it feels like to be a victim of crime
Prof John Howson, who is the Liberal Democrat candidate, has been a magistrate for 22 years as well as being a former government advisor, businessman and academic.

He has experienced crime as the victim of a classroom stabbing as a teacher, experienced four burglaries and been involved in two road accidents.

Prof Howson said he knows what it is like to be a victim of crime and believes too much crime is linked to addictions. He believes stopping reoffending is the key to keeping police budgets down.


Anthony Stansfeld had a long career in the Army
Conservative members across the Thames Valley selected executive member of West Berkshire Council, Anthony Stansfeld, as their candidate.

The councillor also sits on the Thames Valley Police Authority. Mr Stansfeld saw active service in Borneo and Northern Ireland during a career in the Army before becoming managing director at an aircraft company.

He said he would focus on reducing rural crime and improving household burglary detection rates.


Tim Starkey left the Liberal Democrat party over "broken promises"
As a barrister for 11 years, Tim Starkey has prosecuted and defended in hundreds of trials, including a number of high-profile human trafficking cases.

A previous Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, he left the party in protest at their "broken promises" and the government's "reckless programme of cuts".

His key policing priorities include putting victims first and fighting budget cuts. Mr Starkey also wants to stop police privatisation, create a more effective service and keep decision making local.

(Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19503420)

The choice is yours, but if you do not vote, then we may all end up with someone who is either clueless and is lead by the nose; someone who thinks that they know everything, and tries to drive an agenda that is not evidenced based and doomed to failure; or hopefully we end up with someone who is able to stand back, observe and hear what is needed and works effectively with the operational staff to deliver a more equitable, efficient and high quality service with diminishing funding to the citizens of this area.

[dannyboy]

The choice is yours, but if you do not vote, then we may all end up with someone who is either clueless and is lead by the nose; someone who thinks that they know everything, and tries to drive an agenda that is not evidenced based and doomed to failure; or hopefully we end up with someone who is able to stand back, observe and hear what is needed and works effectively with the operational staff to deliver a more equitable, efficient and high quality service with diminishing funding to the citizens of this area.

why cluless? I wasn't aware that past experience was a pre-requisite for such posts.

[Cognosco]

why cluless? I wasn't aware that past experience was a pre-requisite for such posts.

The only qualification required for most public office - Parliament, Council, Etc. is usually the right background - or school tie?

[dannyboy]

The only qualification required for most public office - Parliament, Council, Etc. is usually the right background - or school tie?

Care to back that up with some facts?

[Cognosco]

Care to back that up with some facts?

I will let you count how many old school ties are in government or local councils etc if you really want it proved to you?
Most people do not need to have it proved - it's bit like asking is that big yellow ball in the sky in the morning the sun? Prove it?

[dannyboy]

I will let you count how many old school ties are in government or local councils etc if you really want it proved to you?
Most people do not need to have it proved - it's bit like asking is that big yellow ball in the sky in the morning the sun? Prove it?

In other words - you can't. thought so.

[Cognosco]

In other words - you can't. thought so.

Ah but there's the rub even if I provided links and evidence to support it you would still disagree - yours is the Council way of thinking - blinkered!

[dannyboy]

Ah but there's the rub even if I provided links and evidence to support it you would still disagree - yours is the Council way of thinking - blinkered!

Actually I'm open minded, but as I thought, you can't......