OVER the next few days, candidates in the Police and Crime Commissioner elections for the North-East and North Yorkshire will be setting out their visions for the future of policing. The series starts with those hoping to win in the Durham Constabulary area when voters go to the polls on May 5.

Peter Malcolm Cuthbertson (Conservative Party)

The Northern Echo:

Mr Cuthbertson, from Darlington, works as a healthcare consultant and in 2013 set up an organisation to promote tougher sentencing for serious offenders and the greater use of beat-based, zero tolerance policing.

"As a Darlington man, I love our county. The North-East has an exciting future and growing prosperity but we can tackle crime better.

"In addition to my day job in health care I run a non-profit organisation aimed at reducing offending and reoffending, The Centre for Crime Prevention.

"My plan is:

  • Greater visibility for police - getting more police out of offices and cars, patrolling a beat on foot to know the local community, who troublemakers are and pick up local knowledge.
  • Slash needless bureaucracy and paperwork - using new technology to cut red tape.
  • Implement zero tolerance policing - tackling anti-social behaviour and so-called low level crimes, making local communities safer.
  • Campaign for tougher sentences for serious, repeat offenders - appealing to the Attorney General against lenient sentences, encouraging prosecutors to pursue the toughest charges and investing in victim support.
  • Avoid treating the motorist as a cash cow - speed cameras should tackle serious speeding not to get more revenue.
  • Go on patrol with local police at least once a week.

… and publish expenses online.

"I will be the public’s representative to the police, not the other way round and be relentless in tackling anything that gets in the way of cutting crime."

Ron Hogg (Labour)

The Northern Echo:

Mr Hogg taught history and sociology before more than 30 years as a police officer, he worked in children’s safeguarding at Sunderland County Council before becoming the first Durham Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012.

"In 2012 I said I wanted to build a strong police force which delivered an excellent service - Durham Constabulary has been judged the best force in England and Wales.

"Much of this success was achieved through close working with our communities - I remain committed to that.

"And in spite of savage Government cuts - we have lost over £20m, over 300 officers and hundreds of staff.

"The next four years will be challenging, but with your support we can continue to provide a policing service of the highest quality.

"I will oppose privatisation of policing; oppose further cuts and argue for a funding formula that delivers a fair budget; ensure the right mix of skills and staff so we have a police service fit for the 21st century - plans are already well developed; continue to place victims at the heart - ensuring the highest quality of service to victims of crime and anti social behaviour; and seek to protect the vulnerable - continuing tackling domestic abuse, violence against women and girls and the protection of hate crime victims."

Craig Martin (Liberal Democrats)

The Northern Echo:

Mr Martin has worked as a teacher and charity trustee and stood in last year’s General Election in Durham City.

"My top priorities for making our streets safer:

  • Safeguard frontline police;
  • Cut re-offending;
  • More focus on prevention.

"Police officers have a tough job and they need more support. Further policing cuts will stretch their ability to keep us safe. That’s why I’ll campaign to remove the unnecessary and overly expensive PCC role. To put money into policing rather politics.

"The police we do have are too often tied up in red tape. We need to free up the police to spend less time behind computers and more time on the streets.

"Focusing on rehabilitation and restorative justice - so people pay back to victims and the local community - would cut crime, save police time and taxpayers’ money.

"I have worked as a local teacher and as a trustee of a charity that looks after 5,000 young people across the North East. I know what it takes to keep people on the straight and narrow.

"I’ll use that experience to ensure we’re doing all we can to tackle the causes of crime in our communities.

"With your support on May 5, I’ll make sure we have an effective, well-funded police force that will help keep you and your family safe."