When it comes to policing in Gloucestershire, I think it’s time to go back to a time and place where ‘every crime mattered’ and ‘every victim mattered’.

Full statement

Such a time did exist, and it must return. That’s my pledge to you.

Between 2012 and 2021 I was Gloucestershire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, during what I call the austerity years.

I was born in the County and served 32 years in the police in all ranks from Constable to Chief Superintendent, spending the last five working throughout the UK to build the country’s first ever counter terrorism network.

I understand all aspects of policing from walking the beat, leading major investigations to the infrastructure that underpins it.

You’ll hear claims that the Tory government provided 20,000 more police, that’s true and Gloucestershire were given 150, but lost 249.

The Facts:

The police confirm, not even one of the extra promised police officers were recruited Claims of 400 extra police just don’t add up. That’s unverified 15 years of austerity took our police to breaking point 249 full time experienced officers, 32 PCSO, 79 staff were cut and a £36,000,000 reduction to the annual budget imposed. Crime not investigated, calls not answered and a demoralised workforce Courts closed – massive backlogs and overflowing prisons Youth clubs closed A force struggling to recover post covid. How do we ensure That Every Crime Matters?

A highly motivated workforce A highly trained, skilled, and effective work force Improving the quality of investigation for all crimes Improving the police response to all crimes Improving service to victims of all crimes Improving investigations of more road collisions, not just fatalities Improving confidence in our police Published and promoted by Fergus Ustianowski at Liberal Democrat,16 Hewlett Road, Cheltenham GL52 6AA