THIS week we profile the candidates for the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner post ahead of this month’s election.

Today we question the Conservatives’ Anthony Stansfeld, 66 who is from Newbury

 

Relevant Experience: I joined the Army at 17, and served wordwide. I am an executive member of West Berkshire Council and a member of the Safer Community Partnership. For the past six years I have been a member of Thames Valley Police Authority.

Why Oxfordshire should vote for me: To have responsibility for, and represent this large organisation, requires leadership, experience and a knowledge of running large budgets. Without this it is difficult to see how any candidate can claim to be able to make improvements.

I believe my career in the Army, running large organisations in difficult circumstances, and running an international company gives me the leadership and financial background needed.

My experience on a council, having responsibility for community safety, and being a lead member of the Police Authority give me detailed knowledge of policing.

As a member of the Police Authority I was the lead member with responsibility for the introduction of neighbourhood policing.

I have a proven record and the leadership, experience, and knowledge to fill the role Which crimes will you prioritise?

I would prioritise burglary in Oxford. Antisocial behaviour, vagrancy, and violent behaviour also needs to be prioritised.

How will you prevent crime?

You reduce crime by stopping the young offending in the first place. Catching and rehabilitating prolific and persistent offenders is essential as crime is only committed by a very small portion of the population.

How will you solve more crime? You improve the detection rate by putting the right officers in the right jobs, and giving them the necessary resources, and back-up.

Where in Oxfordshire would you spend more money? I would only spend more money when it is required, usually on such things as overtime, and supporting organisations that prevent crime in the first place.

Where do you see opportunities to save money Oxfordshire? The necessary cuts have largely been made already. Further cuts will depend on the country's finances, though we should have a stable situation for at least another two years.

How would you ensure budget cuts do not lead to crime rising? Since we have made the cuts, by reducing bureaucracy and combining roads policing and IT with Hampshire, there has been an improvement in both reduction of crime and detection rates, so cuts do not necessarily lead to an increase in crime, often they result in greater efficiency.

How important is the police’s relationship with the public and how will you develop this? I would expect to set up local policing boards to ensure the voice of the public is clearly heard.

Thames Valley is a large area, how will you make sure Oxford is represented? My office will be in Kidlington, so I will be nearer Oxford than any other major centre of population.

How will we be able to measure your success after your first 100 days? I will judge the first 100 days successful if I have visited all police units, coped with the public interest, and have a happy and efficient staff in place.

 A POLICE and Crime Commissioner will be elected in the Thames Valley for the first time on Thursday, November 15. The £85,000-a-year post’s responsibilities include setting the police force’s budget and priorities. They will also have the power to appoint and dismiss the chief constable.

The winner will start work on November 22. Elections will be every four years.