DURHAM and Darlington police and crime commissioner Ron Hogg has penned an open letter to candidates in May’s general election.

The former senior police officer, who is the first person to hold the post in the Durham force area, wants to explain to parliamentary hopefuls standing in the county what he can and cannot do in the run-up to polling day.

Mr Hogg said: "This is the first General Election since the appointment of police and crime commissioners, and I want to ensure information relating to policing and crime is transparent and equally available.

"It is important for anyone interested in standing for election within County Durham and Darlington to be clear on what they can and cannot ask of their PCC.

"I have therefore published the open letter on my website for anyone wishing to find out more.

“Further information about the national guidance for Police and Crime Commissioners is also available from my office."

The letter advises candidates of a briefing that senior officers will give in April at force headquarters in Durham City.

The aim is to give them information about policing in the force area and to answer their questions.

The letter says that the PCC cannot support or campaign for a candidate while on official business but can do so as an individual.

It says that he will respond positively to requests from candidates for factual information about policing and crime and will make that information available to all candidates.

He can discuss his opinions with candidates but not confidential information he has received through his official role , such as the finance, plans and activities of the force

The PCC cannot imply the police support or are against a candidate and he cannot use his resources or those of the force to support or campaign against a candidate.

The letter can be viewed on Mr Hogg's website, at durham-pcc.gov.uk