Questions Regarding Zero Tolerance

* ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR *

I have said that I would immediately introduce Targeted *Zero Tolerance* policies in areas where alcohol related violence is not reduced. One elector of this constituency asks:

1. Why does this have to be limited to areas
    where alcohol related violence is not reduced.
    Surly targeting the whole spectrum of anti
    social behaviour as zero tolerance would
    benefit the whole community faster leave no
    grey areas of ambiguity especially after
    hearing some of the horror stories some people
    have gone through.

A very good question. The problem is that we live in an era of cuts. Were our Police Force full strength we could do this. But the Police budget has been cut (is in the process of being cut) by a fifth. So what we can do is to set an example in the worst affected areas (specifically those areas in which street crime such as alcohol related violence is on the increase).

2. Taking into account all of the seven point
    action plan you have quoted how much of it can
    be action immediately you become the
    commissioner ?

"Immediately" is one of those words that has shades of meaning even though it sounds clear. Let me be specific. Some projects that I am totally committed to like the detox centre for under-21s addicted to alcohol would take time to set up. Perhaps a year before it takes shape as a project. Then we have to get the cooperation of other agencies. And if we fail to bring others on board we have to initiate the process ourselves. But it will happen. Other projects like my "Child Safe" initiative require consultation with parents and teachers before they fully take shape. This post is about consultation and I do not have all the answers. However, the zero tolerance initiative (to talk about one of the more high profile projects) will be fairly immediate. Of course we will need to put the support teams in place and empower the police to do what we require. For instance we may need to put Section 27 dispersal orders in place for the area to be targeted. But without going through everything point by point, let me say that much of my manifesto will be implemented immediately and you will see evidence of that. Indeed you will see a lot of me. I will be a highly visible Police Commissioner if elected.

3. I know personally where a credit card crime
    was in process and the goods bought illegally
    was to be picked up by the person who stole
    the details. The police was informed of this
    and the time of the pick up but was shocked to
    learn that they did not have the time or
    resources to be on at hand for the pick up but
    to call 999 when the pick up turn up. What can
    I expect if the same scenario came up again if
    you should get elected the post.

This is a disturbing story. The truth is that there is a distinction between operational policing and police policy. The Chief Constable deals with operational matters and the Police Commissioner deals with policy matters. However the Police Commissioner is there to hold the Police Force accountable to the public and can hire and fire the Chief Constable. If this were to happen again I would want to know the details so that I can raise this specific question with the Chief Constable. The event you describe is clearly unacceptable but we would need to investigate the matter.