Since 2021 I have worked hard as your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner and kept my promises.

Full statement

Staffordshire Police are more local, visible and responsive. Boosted by more than the 250 extra officers I promised, we now have over 2000 officers patrolling public spaces, protecting the vulnerable and tackling violence and abuse.

Staffordshire is a safe place. ASB is 47% lower than before the pandemic. 999 calls are 29% up, but with response teams back in every local policing area, average emergency response is under 15 minutes.

Arrests are up 16%, stop & search 22% and vehicle searches 20% on 2022. This pro-active policing is key to tackling organised criminals, often from outside Staffordshire, dealing drugs and targeting our houses, farms, businesses, and vehicles.

Staffordshire Fire & Rescue are fit for the future. Responding to 8200 incidents, making 13,000 ‘safe and well’ visits and supporting the NHS by rescuing over 1000 people who fell at home.

My team secured over £4m for Safer Streets, Safer Women at Night and ASB hot-spot patrols. We commissioned support for thousands of victims of crime, ASB and domestic abuse and programmes to reduce re-offending, treat addiction and protect children.

I set sound £310m budgets – keeping council tax low – appointed your Chief Constable and Chief Fire Officer and my Local Plans reflect your priorities. This job requires experience – experience that I have after 40 years in business and 20 years representing people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

THIS IS NOT A NATIONAL ELECTION it is your opportunity to choose who can best support your local Police and Fire & Rescue services. Good progress has been made but there is more to do. Back Ben to keep Staffordshire safe. Thank you.

Prepared by Dave Evans of Staffordshire Conservatives, Castle Street, Stafford ST16 2ED.