With just a week to go until the police and crime commissioner elections, do you know who’s going to get your vote?
On November 15, people across Bedfordshire will be able to vote in the county’s first ever police and crime Commissioner (PCC).
Once elected, the PCC will make and influence key decisions that will impact on how your neighbourhood looks and feels – from CCTV, street lighting and graffiti through to tackling gangs and drug-dealing.
They will also hold the chief constable to account, set and update a police and crime plan, set the force budget and precept, regularly engage with the public and communities, and appoint, and where necessary dismiss, the chief constable.
Trevor Holden, chief executive of Luton Borough Council and returning officer for Bedfordshire, said: “This is your chance to vote for the person who will oversee the police in your local area. “The police and crime commissioner won’t tell the police how to do their job, but they will be involved in setting their priorities and will ensure money is spent where it matters most.”
There are five candidates standing in Bedfordshire: Kevin Carroll (British Freedom Party), Linda Jack (Lib Dem), Olly Martins (Labour), Jas Parmar (Conservative) and Mezanur Rashid (Independent).
You can find our more about each of the candidates at www.choosemypcc.org.uk.
On November 15, polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.
For more information about the police and crime commissioner elections, visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk