Election statement:
Bedfordshire is losing 185 police officers and 78 PCSOs, together with 30 patrol cars,
as a result of the Conservative/LibDem government’s 20% police budget cuts. Axing
more than half of our PCSOs and forcing this shocking reduction in police strength
means that the visible neighbourhood policing people value so much is likely to
become a thing of the past.
What is more, in 2013 Chancellor George Osborne will publish the next spending
review, which will herald a further round of deep cuts, as a consequences of this
government’s failed economic policies. A number of Chief Constables have said
further cuts to the police will undermine the fight against crime.
That is why Bedfordshire needs a Police and Crime Commissioner who, rather
than just toeing the party line, will fight these cuts and stand up for what our police
need. That is exactly what the Labour candidate Olly Martins will do.
Eight years with Victim Support, local government and military experience, together
with running the office of Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle MP in Parliament,
give Olly the right background to be an effective Police and Crime Commissioner,
and a champion for our county.
Olly will:
Be a strong voice against the government’s 20% police cuts, arguing for cutting
crime rather than cutting the police
Oppose the sweeping privatisation of large parts of our police to G4S
Resist and frustrate those who preach hatred and seek to divide our communities,
standing up for the decent law abiding majority
Prioritise all forms of hate crime and anti-social behaviour, giving victims
confidence that Bedfordshire Police will deal with them with the utmost
professionalism
Push to ensure Bedfordshire Police better reflects the diversity of the communities
it serves
Prepared by Francis Steer, 3 Union Street, Luton LU1 3AN
Contact Details:
3 Union Street, Luton LU1 3AN
www.ollymartins.org
olly@ollymartins.org
