I was delighted to welcome the Conservative Candidate for Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Michael Lane to Fareham to talk to residents about local crime and policing issues.
PCCs have real power: they hire and fire Chief Constables, they control police budgets running to hundreds of millions of pounds, and they set the local priorities for policing in their area. That’s why these elections on 5th May 2016 for Police and Crime Commissioners are so important. People can vote for the candidate they feel will do the best job.
Michael told us that, if elected, he will use his position to improve policing and make Hampshire safer by working with the Government to reduce crime. Generally speaking, Conservative PCCs have been more efficient in delivering effective policing. In Hampshire, the PCC increased the precept by 1.99%- a cost to borne by taxpayers. With a policing budget of £300m in Hampshire, it is important that the PCC prioritises sound financial management. Michael spoke about protecting police officer numbers, Neighbourhood Policing and the Marine Policing Unit - a vital asset in the fight against terrorism and in counter-narcotics along the South Coast. We also discussed anti-social behaviour, car theft, domestic violence and the forthcoming closure of Fareham Police Station, which will bring about a better use of resources, now that they are located in the Civic Offices.
For more information: www.michael4hampshire-pcc.uk