Today (Tuesday March 29) Martyn Underhill, incumbent Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, officially launched his election campaign as an independent candidate to seek a second term of office.
His manifesto includes pledges to protect vulnerable people, protect Dorset residents from cybercrime and expand road safety initiatives. He has also pledged to retain and enlarge the Marine Unit and to create a new rural crime team to tackle rural issues including poaching and wildlife crime.
Since 2012, from his unique viewpoint as Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn has witnessed many changes in policing saying: “Dorset has faced some of the biggest challenges in policing history at the same time as facing unprecedented funding cuts. The Force continues to punch above its weight and perform well.
“In the next four years, we will face a digital revolution which could present new threats and change how the police investigate crime. Dorset must stay ahead of the curve.”
Martyn is the only independent candidate standing for election in Dorset. He comments: “What sets me apart from the other candidates is that I am an ex-police officer, I understand policing, and I am an independent candidate and therefore not influenced by party politics.
“I see the mix of experience and independence as crucial to the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. If I am elected I will continue to work alongside government, the police, stakeholders and partners. I will be free to challenge each of them on behalf of local communities where appropriate.”
Key achievements from his term in office include launching the Victim’s Bureau,introducing the most far reaching change in information technology systems in the Force’s history, aerial drones, body worn cameras and mobile devices as well as achieving a transparency quality mark and community engagementaward from CoPaCC, an independent body which monitors police governance by comparing Police and Crime Commissioners.
In his first term of office Martyn has had 250,000 interactions with the Dorset public and met 35,000 people face to face. He has led national changes in relation to people in mental health crisis, and has entered the country’s first ever PCC led strategic alliance with Devon and Cornwall police.
Thursday May 5 is the official day for Dorset residents to vote via their local polling stations.Martyn’s full manifesto can be viewed on www.keeppolicingindependent.com as well as blogs, videos and key facts about policing in Dorset.
Martyn’s manifesto in summary is:
To listen to you, represent you, communicate with you and challenge on your behalf
To keep Dorset as one of the safest places in the UK
To keep you safe online
To make Dorset roads safer through education and prevention
To reduce the number of victims of crime
To reduce re-offending in Dorset
To work tirelessly to protect vulnerable people
To protect our rural and marine communities – retaining the
Marine Section and creating a new Rural Crime Team
To continue to protect public funds, spending your money wisely
To improve Police accessibility and visibility
To continue to improve the journey for victims in the Criminal Justice System
To improve technology, infrastructure and practice to deliver a better service
To keep you safe by tackling organised crime, extremism and terrorism through collaboration
To strive for even greater efficiency and greater effectiveness by pooling budgets with partners to drive through change
