I live in Bedfordshire and experience and understand residents’ concerns.

Full statement

I was a leading county councillor for eighteen years and served on the former Bedfordshire Authority.

I have significant leadership experience in business, charities, and the public sector.

I have what is required to take on this serious job.

I regard this a full-time role requiring a focus on the interests of our communities, not self-promotion.

My missions for Bedfordshire Police –

restore effective community policing - working for, in and with communities in every neighbourhood and village - tackling anti-social behaviour and other crimes - significantly reduce crime against women and children

tackling domestic abuse and all forms of violence - partnerships with women’s groups and councils - specialist police teams - focus resources on serious crime

cyber-crime and fraud - knife crime including introducing youth hubs - drug crime - modern day slavery and trafficking - hate crime - rural crimes and wildlife crime - invest in prevention and tackling the causes of crime

partnerships with councils and the NHS - community engagement - ensure an outstanding police service

clear strategies and targets - high performance and value for money - effective and efficient offering value for money - listening and responding and engaging residents and businesses

As the PCC I would specifically - be supportive of the police but always be the voice of the community - be strategic not operational - hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf the people of Bedfordshire - listen and engage with residents, businesses and communities - show leadership across the Bedfordshire criminal justice system - be a fearless advocate for Bedfordshire to national government - work in partnership with a Labour Home Secretary - make the case for more funding

Prepared by Russell Cartwright of 3 Union St, Luton, on behalf of John Tizard