The UKIP candidate hoping to become police commissioner has revealed he plans to put senior officers back on the beat, if he wins the election.
With the police election now just two weeks away, the four remaining candidates hoping to become Northamptonshire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner have been revealing more of their plans for the job.
Former SAS soldier and special constable Jim MacArthur, of UKIP, this week revealed plans to get senior officers back onto the frontline, as part of his drive to boost frontline numbers.
He said: “We have approximately 75 such officers in the county force and I believe they should all be required to undertake at least one shift per month with frontline uniformed officers.
“The duty could be either with Safer Community Team officers or immediate response teams. This will not only provide increased police presence on the streets, but will enable senior officers to sharpen and update their basic policing skills. Once they have done so, they could help train special constables who are in the patrolling phase of their probationary period.
“It will also ensure senior officers remain sensitive to the effects that the decisions they take have on the work of ordinary uniformed frontline officers that have to obey them. I believe many senior officers will welcome this opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat candidate, Paul Varnsverry, has revealed the results of a survey of more than 5,000 people about the streetlight switch off.
They said around 69 per cent believed that the Conservatives’ decision would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.
He said: “This is conclusive proof that Northamptonshire residents have been badly let down by the Conservatives.
“The decision by County Hall bosses to plunge Northamptonshire into darkness has left many people scared to go out at night.
“This is a disgrace.”
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