Yobs and beat bobbies priorities for police commissioner hopeful

FORMER Rotherham mayor Shaun Wright is promising to focus on anti-social behaviour and bobbies on the beat if he is elected as South Yorkshire’s first Police and Crime Comissioner.

The commissioner will hold the police to account - a role currently carried out by the South Yorkshire Police Authority and Cllr Wright believes he is the man for the job, despite initially objecting to the change on the grounds of cost and the politicisation of the force.

He said: “I’m well aware of the dangers and potential pitfalls of the role, however, and think I’m well placed to deal with them.

“I’m a councillor and a community person. I believe I’m in touch with the mood locally and try to listen to people’s views and rely them to those who can make a difference. I think that would stand me in good stead were I to be elected for the role of Police

Commissioner.”

The dad-of-two is currently vice-chairman of the South Yorkshire Police Authority, a magistrate, a trustee for two charities, governor at five schools and also heavily involved in Millmoor Junior Football Club, as well as holding his role as Rawmarsh ward councillor.

Cllr Wright says he has been out and about listening to what people say about crime.

“What I did discover is that people’s main concerns surround antisocial behaviour, police visibility on the streets and victim support. They are all things I would prioritise as police commissioner,” he said.

The election will be held in November. For more information about the introduction of a Police and Crime Commissioner visit www.southyorks.gov.uk/SYJSHome/Police/PoliceandCrimeCommissioner.aspx

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