Essex police and crime commissioner: ex-cop launches campaign (From Echo)

Essex police and crime commissioner: ex-cop launches campaign

1:33pm Monday 13th February 2012 in County News

A FORMER senior Essex cop is the first to launch a campaign to to become the county's new police and crime commissioner.

Ex-Chieff Supt Mick Thwaites, is hoping people will elect him to the role in November.

Mr Thwaites served as Southend borough commander and head of the county's mobile support division before he retired from the force. The newly created-job will involve cutting crime, helping to set the budget, and making the force more accountable.

He launched his campaign at Essex County Cricket Club today, where he stressed the importance of being an independent candidate rather than a politician.

Mr Thwaites, 55, from Southend, said: “The role of the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner needs someone who has a genuine, inside knowledge of the workings of the modern police force, the issues it faces but also what issues matter most to people just like you.

“Do you want them to be a police professional, or a politician?”

The election will be held on November 15. For full details about the campaign see Wednesday’s paper.