29/10/2012 - Permalink

Police and Crime Commissioner candidates announced

Related topics: Community / Democracy

Three candidates are standing for election as the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday 15 November 2012.

You can view details of the candidates by clicking this link – you can also call 0800 1 070708 to ask for information to be posted to you.

The election will take place on 15 November, and there is still time to make sure you are registered to vote – the deadline to make sure you are on the electoral register is Wednesday 31 October 2012, which is also the last day you can apply for a postal vote.

People who live in the Shropshire Council area can call the customer service centre on 0345 678 9015, email elections@shropshire.gov.uk or people can visit their local customer service point.  Residents in Telford and Wrekin can call the council on 01952 383204 or email elections@telford.gov.uk.

For this election you can vote for a first and second choice of who you want to win – click here to see a video explaining how it works.

The Police and Crime Commissioner will be responsible for holding the Chief Constable and police force to account on the public’s behalf.  The Police and Crime Commissioner will oversee how crime is tackled in their area and aim to make sure the police are providing a good service.

The Police and Crime Commissioner role includes:

  • Meeting the public regularly to listen to their views on policing
  • Producing a police and crime plan setting out local policing priorities
  • Deciding how the budget will be spent
  • Appointing chief constables and dismissing them if needed.

In late October, every household in England and Wales (excluding London) should have received a booklet explaining more about these elections and how to fill in your ballot paper.  You can also download the information booklet here.