25 July 2012
Independent Cath Hannon announces candidacy for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner role and calls on parties for transparency
• West Midlands walking into an ‘invisible’ election
• More must be done to inform public and encourage partnership working
Cath Hannon, retired West Midlands Detective Superintendent and champion for adult and children’s rights is today (Wednesday) formally announcing her candidacy for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role in the West Midlands. At a time of unprecedented cuts to policing, she also urging the Government to join her in making the role more transparent and to make clearer the challenges facing policing.
Cath said: “With the PCC election just months away, there is worryingly little information out there about the role and what it will mean for people and this needs to change urgently. Without clearer information, local communities are in danger of walking into an invisible election; one where there is no transparency about the role or the future of policing, and no hope of improving safety and protecting our local communities.
“Although the police are using more technology as part of public service, the fact is that reduced availability of officers across our communities will have an impact. That’s why we’ve got to make the election of the West Midlands PCC count. But it has to be about empowering people, giving them the chance to vote for a candidate they trust to listen to their views and concerns. And that can only happen by giving them enough information to make a meaningful choice.
“I believe that the PCC role provides a real opportunity to make a lasting, positive difference to local communities and businesses, working in partnership with them and the police to help make the West Midlands safer. But this election cannot and must not happen without a fair and honest debate. That’s why I say to all of the candidates out there: let’s start by giving people all of the information they need to make a truly informed decision. Let’s start right now.”
If elected Cath pledges to:
Ends
Notes to Editor
About Cath Hannon
· Cath was born in Handworth, Birmingham, and spent over 30 years policing the West Midlands and leading national and international multi agency teams before retiring in 2010;
· During her time in the police she tackled a wide range of criminality including: burglary, anti social behaviour, terrorism, domestic extremism, organised crime and gang violence, through the development of innovative initiatives, to protect the residents of the West Midlands. She has led multi-agency teams to improve police investigations and support for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, forced marriage, ‘honour’ based violence as well as safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Her work also included the development of strategic police partnerships across national and international boundaries to increase community safety through the active policing and supervision of violent and sexual offenders;
· She holds a Masters degree relating to the management of violent and sexual offenders, and is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Police Security and Community Safety, specialising in the management of high risk offenders;
· Cath is also a trustee for charity RSVP and an experienced champion of adult’s and children’s rights.
About the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role
It is still unclear exactly how the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will work in practice. The Government has said that the majority of PCC work will be decided at a local level and key duties will include, but will not be limited to:
· Setting and overseeing the strategic direction of the police;
· Appointing and assessing the Chief Constable and ensuring effective and efficient policing which delivers value for money;
· Being the voice of the public, working with partners to help prevent and tackle crime;
· Producing a West Midlands Policing and Crime plan, setting the Council Tax precept and annual budget beyond the 2012/13 budget;
· Being accountable to the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) and the public, attending PCP meetings as required;
· Contribute on national and regional policing issues such as counter terrorism, cross- border policing and large scale public disorder;
· Take part in key forums and help play a role in wider community safety issues.
More information can be found at www.cathhannon4pcc.com
Independent Cath Hannon announces candidacy for West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner role and calls on parties for transparency
• West Midlands walking into an ‘invisible’ election
• More must be done to inform public and encourage partnership working
Cath Hannon, retired West Midlands Detective Superintendent and champion for adult and children’s rights is today (Wednesday) formally announcing her candidacy for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role in the West Midlands. At a time of unprecedented cuts to policing, she also urging the Government to join her in making the role more transparent and to make clearer the challenges facing policing.
Cath said: “With the PCC election just months away, there is worryingly little information out there about the role and what it will mean for people and this needs to change urgently. Without clearer information, local communities are in danger of walking into an invisible election; one where there is no transparency about the role or the future of policing, and no hope of improving safety and protecting our local communities.
“Although the police are using more technology as part of public service, the fact is that reduced availability of officers across our communities will have an impact. That’s why we’ve got to make the election of the West Midlands PCC count. But it has to be about empowering people, giving them the chance to vote for a candidate they trust to listen to their views and concerns. And that can only happen by giving them enough information to make a meaningful choice.
“I believe that the PCC role provides a real opportunity to make a lasting, positive difference to local communities and businesses, working in partnership with them and the police to help make the West Midlands safer. But this election cannot and must not happen without a fair and honest debate. That’s why I say to all of the candidates out there: let’s start by giving people all of the information they need to make a truly informed decision. Let’s start right now.”
If elected Cath pledges to:
- Ensure that people’s views are heard and acted upon through ongoing dialogue and the implementation of a new and active partnership between the people of the West Midlands, the PCC, and the police;
- Cut crime that concerns the communities and businesses of the West Midlands by consulting them and providing the right resources, in the right place, at the right time;
- Review the criminal justice system to ensure that it prioritises victims and witnesses, every time;
- Tackle violent crime, abuse and hate crimes head on, to help make local communities safer.
Ends
Notes to Editor
About Cath Hannon
· Cath was born in Handworth, Birmingham, and spent over 30 years policing the West Midlands and leading national and international multi agency teams before retiring in 2010;
· During her time in the police she tackled a wide range of criminality including: burglary, anti social behaviour, terrorism, domestic extremism, organised crime and gang violence, through the development of innovative initiatives, to protect the residents of the West Midlands. She has led multi-agency teams to improve police investigations and support for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, forced marriage, ‘honour’ based violence as well as safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Her work also included the development of strategic police partnerships across national and international boundaries to increase community safety through the active policing and supervision of violent and sexual offenders;
· She holds a Masters degree relating to the management of violent and sexual offenders, and is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Police Security and Community Safety, specialising in the management of high risk offenders;
· Cath is also a trustee for charity RSVP and an experienced champion of adult’s and children’s rights.
About the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role
It is still unclear exactly how the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will work in practice. The Government has said that the majority of PCC work will be decided at a local level and key duties will include, but will not be limited to:
· Setting and overseeing the strategic direction of the police;
· Appointing and assessing the Chief Constable and ensuring effective and efficient policing which delivers value for money;
· Being the voice of the public, working with partners to help prevent and tackle crime;
· Producing a West Midlands Policing and Crime plan, setting the Council Tax precept and annual budget beyond the 2012/13 budget;
· Being accountable to the Police and Crime Panel (PCP) and the public, attending PCP meetings as required;
· Contribute on national and regional policing issues such as counter terrorism, cross- border policing and large scale public disorder;
· Take part in key forums and help play a role in wider community safety issues.
More information can be found at www.cathhannon4pcc.com
