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Darren Bridgman: “I would also prefer there to be no political parties standing for these positions as I believe independence is important"
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What Does Bracknell Think? Police and Crime Commissioners

By Becky Barnes
November 07, 2012

This week we asked our panel their thoughts on Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC). To find out who the candidates are for the Thames Valley.

Terry Pearce, chairman of Defend Our Community Services: “Police commissioners are not a good idea; how can one person do the job currently carried out by elected police committees?

“Hardly anyone knows who the candidates are, there will be a low turnout, how democratic is that?

"The whole thing is a farce at a time when police morale is low due to cuts to police numbers.

"This imported American gimmick is a diversion by the Government from the mess the economy is in and the cuts to vital public services.”

Hazel Kent, of Bracknell Market café: “I have been given a vote and so I will be using the privilege.

“I think I understand the concept, but doubt it will stop corruption, lies and everything else that appears to go with jobs which pay large sums of money in wages, bonuses and pensions.

I have read the profiles of the candidates in our area and only one person stands out I’m afraid.

"The person I will vote for appears to be a ‘Joe Bloggs’ who is more representative of the ‘common’ person.”

Bracknell blogger Darren Bridgman: “I understand the reason for them and think in general it’s a good idea.

"Problem is the implementation has been rushed and many have no idea who they’re voting for.

“I would also prefer there to be no political parties standing for these positions as I believe independence is important. You can find out more about the candidates at www.choosemypcc.org.uk/candidates/area/thames-valley?”

Pat Kennewell, of Birch Hill and Hanworth Liaison Group: “For the first time in more than four decades I have decided not to vote. I have always thought that it is our duty and responsibility to vote, but this is my protest.

“I do not understand the need to make expensive and unnecessary changes to the system in these stretched times.

We are losing police officers to cuts and yet the proposal for police commissioners costing between £65,000 and £100,000 each plus expenses is going ahead.

“I was going to vote for an independent (although it is supposed to be non-political) but this gives the idea I have made a choice, which I haven’t.”

Winkfield artist Jonathan Greenyer: “What a stupid, wasteful idea.

What do most people know about policy making and strategy with regard to local policing?

“Are we now going to see police commissioners on the hustings making competing vague promises and assurances to entice people to vote for them? ‘Elect me; and you can feel safer than if you elect the other one’, ‘Elect me, I have a nicer haircut’.

“Electing police commissioners is popular TV democracy gone mad.”

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Most recent user comments 5 of 5

Without looking online we have had no info through except for the labour chap - could the local papers have not put a wrap around on the paper so that people who do not have the internet have a chance to read up before voting?

CMK
12/11/2012 at 12:34

We need to have a really bad one in order that we go out and vote. Let us hope that we get that really bad one first time and that we are motivated into voting next time.

Wiztwas, Binfield
09/11/2012 at 09:02

Quote :- 'This week we asked our panel their thoughts on Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC). To find out who the candidates are for the Thames Valley.' come on then getbracknell, why don't you give us some news? do you employ any reporters? just who are the panel? junior school pupils perhaps! Do you make it all up? Who are the candinates????? Why no information? Why can't you sell any newspapers? why are you so useless? can i have a job with you?i am no good ever but i work cheep. FFS

R Smith
07/11/2012 at 19:15

I had some literature from the Tory nominee. Nothing from anyone else - if they can't bothered why should I?

I say literature - but it's no Proust, Goethe, or Dante. In fact I fear the Western Canon would be offended to be considered in the same breath as some of the tripe committed to print in the name of public service.

It could possibly stand beside Worsdworth, or maybe even Byron who is an awful bore - much like any living Tory in fact.

Winstanley, Bracknell
07/11/2012 at 16:01

If a turnout of voters is wanted, then it would help if some details about candidates was available. I live in Bracknell and as far as I know there is only one candidate running for election (Labour backed). So only one vote is needed to elect them. It will not be mine.