Peter Williams is standing as an Independent candidate to be the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. 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, and a photo of you to which you have rights.

Keep Politics out of Policing – Keep Local People in Control

I am passionate about keeping policing in Surrey focused on the people of Surrey, for the benefit of the people of Surrey and not subject to political influence of any kind.

With an MA in Criminal Justice, extensive business experience and 20 years working in the Criminal Justice System, I am well qualified to be the Police and Crime Commissioner for the county.

I would bring to the appointment my experience of seventeen years as a magistrate and nine as an independent member of the current Police Authority, including four as its Chairman. I have a proven track record. I have learnt much about policing and I know what is important to the residents of Surrey. I have the knowledge, skills and commitment to fulfil the wider remit of the PCC under the new governance structure.

Above all, I would uphold the political impartiality of the police service.

The Police Authority has consulted our residents to find out how they wanted Surrey policed. As Community Safety is our clear priority, I intend to continue with this valuable exercise which has led to Surrey Police having some of the highest confidence and satisfaction levels in the country.

Working with statutory partners and within the Criminal Justice System, I will prepare and implement a Policing Plan to:

• Keep the constable at the heart of policing
• Address all aspects of anti-social behaviour in the county
• Continue to reduce crime and relentlessly pursue criminals
• Challenge and hold to account the Chief Constable
• Progress collaboration with neighbouring forces
• Encourage innovation
• Ensure value for money
• Press for even higher performance
• Give fair and equal service to every resident
• Improve the service to victims of crime
• Use my financial expertise to address Government cuts
• Keep Surrey in its rightful place at the top of policing

There is a real danger that Surrey Police could be controlled by a political activist and the only way to avoid this is to elect an Independent Commissioner.

As a truly independent candidate, I will not feel beholden to any political party but only to the residents of Surrey.

Help me keep politics out of policing!