As you consider who to vote for as Police and Crime Commissioner on Thursday May 2nd, please look at my manifesto that builds on the progress I have made since 2021.
When elected as your PCC in 2021 I promised more police officers, a relentless focus on tackling serious crime and to listen to every community across Avon and Somerset.
I have DELIVERED on those promises and more.
I have brought my 32 years of experience in military service to focus on delivering excellent policing and making Avon and Somerset an even safer place to live.
1,500 new police officers delivering an extra 500 officers focussed on Neighbourhood policing and CID investigations – part of the Conservative government pledge to deliver 20,000 extra officers nationally.
A 300% increase in the number of rape cases reaching the courts – a major achievement by the new courageous chief constable I appointed in 2021
The top performing constabulary in England for disrupting illegal drug activity – thanks to Operation Scorpion, a partnership started by the 5 South West Conservative PCCs to make the South West no place for drugs. Other political parties are wanting to go soft on drug gangs and even legalise cannabis.
Every week I have spent a day visiting communities across our area, listening to residents concerns and priorities.
I have ensured every penny of the policing budget has been spent wisely and brought in further investment from government to make our streets safer and PREVENT crime.
New police stations are being opened in Bath and Minehead. Yeovil station and Trinity road, Bristol and undergoing major refurbishments
But there is still more to do -
Our rural communities and farmers need support – I’ve ensured better officer training and a dedicated team tackling illegal trespass, livestock theft and poaching
Bristol has seen major knife crime affecting young people – I’m prioritising education programmes to keep all our young people safe.
Tackling anti-social behaviour and shoplifting – I’m ensuring ‘hot-spot’ targeting makes our high streets safer and I’m working with local businesses to help them protect themselves.
Violence against women and girls must stop – I’ve ensured every officer has received specialist training in recognising domestic abuse and I’m delivering excellent victim support services.
Reducing re-offending – through perpetrator rehab programmes and helping prisoners gain employment skills for a better chance on release.
Take a few minutes to read my manifesto - a real plan for delivering excellent policing, preventing crime and keeping you safe.
Let me continuing making Avon and Somerset an even safer place to live, don’t risk a candidate that has no experience and will go soft on crime.
Vote Mark Shelford – for more police and safer streets