Commenting on an article in the Kent Messenger Online "Pet thefts in Kent: Protection officer and dog theft laws must be strengthened, says Lib Dem PCC candidate"
Commenting on an article in the Kent Messenger Online "Pet thefts in Kent: Protection officer and dog theft laws must be strengthened, says Lib Dem PCC candidate"
Graham Colley LibDem Police and Crime candidate for Kent said: "Let me, firstly, say I make no personal criticism of my Conservative opponent. However, this issue, of a dedicated police officer gives a fundamental example of the difference between a Liberal and a Conservative approach. The Police and Crime Commissioner election is about policing strategy. The differences between Conservative approach and mine, as a Liberal, are stark.
Liberals believe in working from the community up - local people working together with the police to find solutions that suit their neighbourhoods. Conservatives believe in letting the toffs decide what is best and then telling the people they have done it.
Dognapping and other pet and animal crimes are important to local people. A community police service, which I advocate, would be very much at the forefront of preventing such crimes. A dedicated county officer for pet crime would advise, assist and coordinate the Community Police in fighting this crime, which causes so much heartbreak.
The top-down approach in policing has changed very little. Indeed, it is suited "management think", to centralise rather than devolve.
I believe in looking at policing radically and adopting a federal approach. Starting at the bottom, each community have its own police officer who would coordinate and care for their local community. The matters within the community they would seek local resources and involvement. Where appropriate, they would seek specialist help at area county or even national level.
As Sir Robert Peel, one of the founders of the Liberal Party, said in the "nine principles of policing" "the police are the people and the people are the police"."
ENDS
Link to KM Online Article: