John Norrie is standing as an Independent for Police and Crime Commissioner in Northamptonshire. If you are intending to stand to be Police and Crime Commissioner where you live, you can submit your own Candidate Statement, so get in touch. Others are on the way, and we are looking for 400 words, a photo (of you!) that you have rights to, and preferably an imprint, which will be needed for the formal election period later this year.​

I am standing as an independent candidate for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire in the November elections. I am not a politician in any way and have no ambition for elected office as such. I am interested in this role alone. My approach will be led by my experience and the needs of the people of Northamptonshire, and not by any party line or national agenda. Having said that I am no politician, it would be naïve to think that such a role, dealing with public services and their funding, is not political. I see this, however, as a small p not a capital P.

I served as an independent member of the Northamptonshire Police Authority from 2004 until 2007. Over the last 30 years I have worked in business improvement in all types of organisations including police forces. From 2007 until early 2010 I worked within Northamptonshire Police on a variety of improvement projects.

I have a deep interest in policing and an abiding passion for improvement relish the opportunity to be the voice of Northamptonshire’s electorate and bring about improvements in the service provided.

I am spending a good deal of time before the November elections researching the views of the many communities within the county. What I learn may change my approach, but as things stand today I propose to focus on the following.

Establish and communicate a clear line of responsibility with the Chief Constable and other Criminal Justice partners.

In conjunction with the Chief Constable I will draw up a policing plan to achieve the aims derived from my manifesto. However, operational decisions about how policing is carried out day to day rests with the Chief Constable.

Maintain clear and effective communication with Northamptonshire’s communities

Communities within the county have different policing needs. I will ensure effective communication between our communities and our police.

Protecting neighbourhood policing.

Neighbourhood policing in Northamptonshire has been very successful. Safer Community Teams have given real focus to local policing. This must be protected.

Ensure crime prevention works in a joined up way across the criminal justice system

It is unrealistic to expect the police to do everything. I will ensure they are supported by the appropriate partner agencies to provide the best service to our county.

Make sure decision making is done on the basis of what works!