Back then in 2012 the position was new, replacing the councillor-led police authority. After the poll people asked, was it really worth it? Just 15 per cent of the people of Hampshire turned out to vote. Now three-and-a-half years on it has become clearer what the PCC role is about. The job is not about being the head of the police force. Operational decisions are made by the chief constable. In Hampshire that is now Olivia Pinkney, who started on Monday. Instead, the PCC is responsible for awarding contracts for services, running the estates and holds the chief to account. It’s a powerful job and the winner will make decisions that will affect the community here. Hampshire police has made statements about the importance of recruiting police from its diverse community. So it’s a shame that not a single woman or non-white person has put themselves forward. With seven candidates there is plenty of choice, so let’s hope that more than 15 per cent turn out to vote. THE CANDIDATES, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER Richard Adair (Liberal Democrat) ‘Busting villains, not budgets’ sums up my approach. Growing up in Milton, I went to Hilsea Modern School and Fareham Technical College. Dad was an HM Dockyard shipwright and mum worked at St James’ Hospital. My brother served at Fratton police station, so my family is steeped in public service. With 37 years of experience across Hampshire under my belt including Portsmouth, Southampton, New Forest and Aldershot, where I’ve lived for 35 years, I know street policing inside out. Like many I am concerned police cuts and police stations closing endanger police and public links. Everyone needs to work together to secure better government funding to maintain neighbourhood policing – the bedrock of British policing. ‘Bobbies on the beat’ are more important than buildings; trouble is we’re losing both and Portsmouth residents tell me they are worried. The national rise in violent crime means police are needed now more than ever. Simon Hayes (Independent) Policing is important to us all. I’m standing for re-election as police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, as an independent non-party political candidate. I believe your police and crime commissioner must be free from the influence of party politics. The position is not just about governance of the constabulary. Importantly it’s about co-ordinating community responsibility to bring ‘social change’, working with others to prevent crime, reduce reoffending, support victims and protect the vulnerable. I’ve invested money in charities working in the city to support young people, victims of domestic violence and people addicted to drugs and alcohol. I’ve protected neighbourhood policing, where other areas of the country have not. I’ve supported victims of crime in a way that has never happened before, and most importantly worked with young people to prevent crime happening. To find out more about my campaign please visit hayes4pcc.org Don Jerrard (Independent) I was born in Hampshire and have lived here for almost all my life. I was an international business lawyer, and specialised in IT law. I now live in East Hampshire and was an independent candidate in the Hampshire PCC election in 2012. The OPCC is an unnecessary and politicised tier of government and a waste of public money. Its huge cost would be better spent on police stations to ensure local community policing and intelligence. The repeated closure of police stations is utter madness. No one person should have these powers. I would not take a salary and would be chairman of a panel of unpaid volunteers, without a PR department providing all spin and no delivery. Policing priorities, especially terrorism, robbery, drug-related crime, and sexual exploitation are already obvious to the police. The OPCC should scrutinise the police, not tell them what to do. See more on donjerrard4hampshire-pcc.uk Michael Lane (Conservative) People in Hampshire and IoW should have confidence that their police and crime commissioner is listening to their concerns and making sure they are reflected in police priorities. I will champion those priorities. As a commodore with 30 years’ experience in the Royal Navy, a councillor, community leader and long-term local resident, I have the skills and background for the job. I will set strategic priorities, which protect and sustain our values and society, to create a police and crime plan that enhances effective delivery in neighbourhoods and on the front line of policing. My priorities will include: tackling domestic abuse; protecting the vulnerable; seeking innovation that increases effectiveness; and creating strong partnerships. My focus will always be to keep you and your family safe. And I will ensure the chief constable and our police have the resources to do what they do best – prevent crime and catch criminals. Robin Price (Labour) I have worked in Portsmouth in a free legal advice service and for the city council. I have run my own solicitors’ practice, which included criminal and family work. My commitments are: n Make it clear to government the effect of their cuts and the 780 reduction in the number of officers in Hampshire n Give priority to community policing to combat the increase in crime in Portsmouth in the last year. Council cuts to the early intervention service have increased the risk of serious domestic violence. n Keep the police station in Portsmouth city centre open and carry out a proper consultation on new facilities. n Ensure that officers have the training to combat internet crime. n Campaign for better NHS mental health services to relieve the pressure on the police. n Oppose increases in court fees and legal aid charges and investigate their effects. Roy Swales (Ukip) I was a constable for 10 years, injured and then retired. I was a senior exec in Sodexo, the NHS and managed two large law firms. I came second in GE2015 in New Forest East. I live in Totton with my wife, a nursing sister. I’m deeply concerned that police officer and staff numbers are dangerously low with too much emphasis on centralisation. Officers have disappeared from communities, where they are needed, particularly in these dangerous times. I will immediately budget for more officers and staff. I will create task forces and groups for multi-agency working to care for victims, the vulnerable and weak. I promise to be the voice of all the people of Hampshire and IoW, to listen and act and be transparent, to ensure the chief officer gives you the policing you want, and to hold her to account if she does not. Steve Watts (Zero Tolerance Policing ex Chief) Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight people tell me that they want the police to protect them and their families by delivering an effective and robust deterrent to criminals and those who blight our lives, at the same time focusing on supporting victims and the vulnerable. As your police and crime commissioner I will ensure that the police stand up for decent people by striking fear into criminals and bullies. n Take a zero-tolerance approach to policing in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. n Deliver more visible and effective policing. n Put victims at the centre of the criminal justice system. n Give you the public, more opportunity to have your say. n Protect your local policing. n Work with all local partners to ensure that everyone plays their full part in protecting communities. Steve was born in Hampshire and spent 31 years serving at all levels in the Hampshire Constabulary to assistant chief constable.