Dear Surrey residents

On Thursday 2nd May many of us have elections for local councillors. In the UK we are fortunate that we are free to vote for whom we want. These elections are also to appoint the Surrey Police & Crime Commissioner. “The Police and Crime who?” you might ask. 

Every Force area, with the exception of Greater London (The Met), Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, has a Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC). This role is a political appointment every 4 years and we, the public, can vote freely for any of the candidates. So why is it important that we use our vote? Well, the PCC carries out some key functions in their Police Force area (Surrey, in our case). The Commissioner sets the strategy that the Chief Constable has to follow. The Commissioner appoints the Chief Constable (or retains the existing one). Lastly, the Commissioner manages the Police budget using very strict guidelines and a set formula. This formula was created many years ago and is no longer fit for purpose in regard to Policing costs, demographics or council tax income. As a result of this formula, the people of Surrey contribute a higher proportion of the annual Police funding from council tax than anywhere else in the country. Successive Surrey Commissioners (along with many other Commissioners in the country) have tried, and failed, to get this formula changed. 

The Commissioner does NOT run the Police day-to-day – that is for the Chief Constable to do. There are approximately 2,300 uniformed officers and 1,900 staff in Surrey Police. Surrey's Commissioner ensures the Chief Constable (Tim de Meyer) is managing the Force well.

It is for us, the public, to vote for the person we think would make the best Commissioner. There are 4 candidates this year and their details can be found here: https://choosemypcc.org.uk/area/surrey/

Attached is useful document downloaded from that website. 

Neighbourhood Watch is a non-political organisation and cannot make any suggestions or recommendations. It is for the candidates to persuade you to vote for them. Please use your vote well.

Regards
Martin Stilwell
Chair, Surrey Neighbourhood Watch