I am an experienced investigator for the Housing Ombudsman Service and also a District Councillor in North Herts District Council where I am the portfolio holder for Housing and Environmental Health.

Full statement

Early in my career I worked as a Police Community Support Officer where I gained a strong grounding in operational policing. I now serve as a local charity trustee for survivors against domestic abuse where I take a leading role in developing ideas and strategies to support vulnerable victims. Through my appointments in housing, I have developed extensive experience working with local partners to ensure that policing priorities are met.

As Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I will work to strengthen community cohesion by supporting active police engagement in hard-to-reach areas. I will develop and grow neighbourhood policing with an emphasis on finding long-term solutions to ongoing crime and anti-social behaviour and will foster strong multi-agency partnerships to develop a coordinated approach to protect victims and prevent crime.

My key priorities are to:

Increase visible community and neighbourhood policing

Stop violence against women and girls

Solve burglary and vehicle crime

Tackle and prevent antisocial behaviour

If elected I will be a visible and available Police Commissioner, who will hold local community forums, listen to your concerns AND take action. I understand that every crime matters and that a fresh approach to policing is needed in Hertfordshire.

Prepared by Freya Waterhouse, 23 Raynham Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7DE