Patrick Hamill

I am standing as an independent candidate for Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner because I believe our policing should be free from party politics. As an independent, I can truly represent the views of all communities without fear or favour.

I have been a resident of Bedfordshire for 59yrs which includes leading campaigns successfully. I have also assisted freely with those unfairly treated in the work place and, with favourable outcomes.

One of my family members is a serving police officer of 21 years.

I believe my own personal commitment to public services over the last 36 years, including the Mayor of Houghton Regis and the Chairman of South Bedfordshire District Council, puts me in a great position to improve the way we are policed.

I recognise our frontline police officers do a fantastic job, but I also understand the public concerns. You have told me that police officers need to be more visible in the community, so I intend to address this issue and the need for more local police stations/hubs.

Gangs, knife and gun crimes, burglaries, people trafficking, sexual exploitation, grooming gangs, modern day slavery, rape, domestic violence and murders are serious matters but low-level crimes such as dog napping, fly-tipping and burglaries also need to be tackled.

Like you, I want a police force that is respected throughout Bedfordshire, a police force who`s resources are fairly distributed across the county and a police force that puts the public at the heart of everything it does.

If elected as your PCC, I will do my utmost to bring about a different approach to policing, from Bedford to Luton, from Leighton Buzzard to Biggleswade and everywhere in between.

This statement was prepared by Patrick Shaun Christopher Hamill, 1 Park Avenue, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 5EA as the Agent and Candidate.