I am an independent candidate because I believe the Police and Crime Commissioner should be a democratically elected advocate for local people, not governed by a political party.

Full statement

Only by being independent can the PCC hold the police to account.

My priorities have grown from conversations I have had with the public, with police representatives and with organisations who work with victims of crime. People have said they want a police force they can trust; a force that responds, listens, and can be seen to be tackling crime.

On behalf of the people of Dorset, I will lead real change tackling the root causes of crime, through honest dialogue and transparent actions.

I will champion a police force that is visible - enabling us to reclaim our town centres, protect our rural areas and defend our coastal communities, whilst also galvanising the public sector to bolster prevention.

1. I will ensure you have visible Police Officers preventing crime. I want you to hear reassurance coming from the teams tackling violent and serious crime. You also have the right to be taken seriously when you have concerns and complaints. I will ensure this happens by creating a culture of visibility from the top, and a police force you can trust.

2. The safety of women and girls must be improved. By prioritising specialist teams who create safety and justice for vulnerable people, and interventions proven to work, perpetrators of crimes, like domestic abuse, can be stopped in their tracks.

3. Prevention of crime is rooted in supporting our younger people; – as perpetrators, or as victims. My initiatives will support disadvantaged young people to prevent them being involved in crime. In turn, communities will have more of a say about policing in our neighbourhoods.

Prepared by David Colpman 8A Parr Street BH140JY.