In the last of our profiles, independent police and crime commissioner candidate Mezanur Rashid tells us why he is the best man for the job...
“I want to take the police out of politics and since I am an independent candidate, I consider myself to be the best for this role because I will have no one pulling the strings behind me.
“I have been working as a community and youth worker for the last ten years, so I feel I can do it. Some of the people I have worked with have said that they will try their best to make sure I get elected, so that I have a good team behind me.
“My policies will be trying to keep the police open and transparent and make sure that the public have a greater say in policing. I will also tackle things such as drugs, knife crime and victim support.
“I want to make the police more accountable to the public and make sure the police have got a good working relationship with the public. As a true and committed individual, I have got a legal background as well as knowledge on international relations.
“I will pledge to ensure that public opinion is seriously taken by our police force. As a youth worker, I have been working on issues like drug abuse. I have seen local children selling drugs on the streets, children abusing drugs and children taking drugs at night. No one else has raised any issue about this alarming situation. I personally feel that this must be stopped as soon as possible. Therefore, I will prioritise these issues regarding the local children. “Moreover, I will strive to deliver high visibility policing to cut down crime. All in all, as an independent candidate I have not got any political influence.
“I will fight for the people, not against the people! I will give priority where it needed the most.”