Pete Levy is the Liberal Democrat nominee to be the Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon and Somerset. 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 at Editor@TopOfTheCops.com – 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 will be seeking the Liberal Democrat nomination for Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset.

Following brief service with Wiltshire Constabulary I joined the Royal Military Police. After military service I established a second career in media and communications. I’m Somerset born and bred and believe I have the skills essential for this role. My knowledge of local government systems means I’m aware of the strengths and weaknesses in informing and representing the views of residents across a large and diverse region.

I’ve been a Liberal Democrat member of Bristol City Council since May 2010. As a member of Avon & Somerset Police Authority since then I’ve been involved with the change program dealing with the budgetary challenges supporting the Constabulary in providing the highest level of service.

I will commit to the PCC’s office being inclusive, honest, representative, fair-minded and accountable.

Politicisation of this office is not acceptable or fair to the integrity of the Police service provision. It certainly isn’t fair to the people of Avon & Somerset Police area. I want a robust and honest collaboration between PCC’s office and all local authorities, regardless of political affiliation.

The office of the PCC will work with the current communications team, partners and all local media outlets to develop a comprehensive communications delivery strategy. Police use of digital technology combined with traditional methods of engagement will be maintained and developed to reach the widest possible audience.

I will work with the Constabulary and organisation such as the Police Federation to ensure Police Officers and staff are informed, motivated and supported.

There will be a concerted effort to continue the work of the Police Authority and Constabulary to address the unfair and immoral issue of ‘Damping’. The process whereby the government sets out how much money we should get for policing and then immediately apply a process called damping where they take away a large proportion of our budget. We have lost £60m over the last five years and that money gets re-allocated to other forces. The government continue to promise this will be addressed and they continue to ignore it.

To protect people and property is a key objective of any Police organisation. Victims of crime and the more vulnerable members of our community must be identified and put at the heart of all undertakings of the relevant partnerships and constabulary.