Roy Warren for Police and Crime Commissioner

Roy Warren

I decided to offer myself for election because I passionately believe that the functioning of the police force should be absolutely independent of any political influence or interference and I am the only independent candidate not supported financially by any of the recognised political parties.

I believe we have the finest police force in the world and one that is the envy of all others. It would be my intention to work tirelessly to support the police and the people of Greater Manchester who have a right and expectation that this truly great city of ours is safe, law abiding and one in which we can all develop and prosper without fear.

As a current magistrate and past Chairman of the Trafford Bench I have a wealth of experience in dealing with the judiciary, police, Crown Prosecution Service and all other related agencies incorporating detection, sentencing, punishment and rehabilitation of the criminals who blight our society.

Arming the Police:

The very recent and tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two brave and dedicated police officers highlighted yet again the contentious question of whether our police officers should be routinely armed.

I make no apology for unequivocally stating that I am totally opposed to officers being armed and I believe that is also the strongly held view of the overwhelming majority of police officers.

Tourists to this country often express surprise that the bobby on the beat does not carry a gun. That is something to be proud of and a reason to protect the status quo. Despite being opposed to armed police I do believe the police and the general public should be protected from criminals who routinely arm themselves with a variety of weapons, including now machine guns and hand grenades.

I believe the public can play a vital part in assisting the police by reporting any suspicions or first-hand knowledge they may have of weapons being held by criminals or gang members and I would look to encourage that.

I also think that much tighter controls should be introduced at our ports to prevent the smuggling of guns, especially from the eastern European countries. I strongly support tougher sentences for gun related crime but that of course is a matter for parliament.

The Drugs Debate:

Despite a growing opinion that some drugs should be reclassified I do not support that view.

Drug dealing and addiction lead to an escalation of associated criminal activity, particularly in acquisitive crime such as street robberies and burglaries used to fund drug habits.

The police and Her Majesty’s Customs do an excellent job in detecting drug importation and prevent much of it reaching the streets. They will receive my unstinting support in their continuing war against drugs.

However, I do feel there should also be a greater understanding of the misery and spiralling effect of drug addiction and would certainly support greater resources being directed at drug intervention and rehabilitation programmes.

An Englishman’s Home is his Castle:

Another current topic of debate and one that certainly polarises opinion is the right of the householder to defend or protect themselves from intruders.

I do not believe that a change in the law is necessary, simply a sensible interpretation of it. A threatened householder is entitled to use reasonable force to defend their home and family and that should continue.

The public perception has been that the law errs on the side of the burglar. That cannot be right and recent advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions has reaffirmed the right of the public to defend themselves and their property.

We must though guard against any thoughts of vigilantism and recognise that the police are the guardians of the public and the enforcers of law and order. They in turn need the support and protection of both parliament and the justice system.

With me as your Police Commissioner you and they can be certain of my support as well.

The Way Forward:

The Greater Manchester Police Force has a right to expect the unwavering support of the Police Commissioner but they also should have the support and trust of the general, law abiding public.

I do understand though at times that support and trust can be strained. I will encourage greater use of Safer Community meetings that are already in place and currently attended by police, Borough Council representatives, a magistrate observer and the Probation Service.

Whilst it is true the police need to understand the public’s fears and concerns they in turn need to understand the pressures the police are under, particularly in terms of targeting and budget cutting exercises.

Greater dialogue at these forums will encourage that and forge stronger bonds between the police and their principle stakeholders. And that can only lead to a stronger and safer Greater Manchester.

I urge you to cast your vote on November the 15th for the only candidate that is not politically affiliated, is passionately proud of Greater Manchester, want to give the police the support they deserve and with your backing make our city and region the envy of all others in the country. Vote for Roy Warren, Vote for A Safer Greater Manchester.