New commissioner is in place

Derbyshire made history last week by electing the first Sikh Police and Crime Commissioner in England and Wales.
Labour PCC candidate for Derbyshire, Hardyal DhindsaLabour PCC candidate for Derbyshire, Hardyal Dhindsa
Labour PCC candidate for Derbyshire, Hardyal Dhindsa

Hardyal Dhindsa, who polled 78,858 votes to runner-up Richard Bright’s 77,245, now succeeds the county’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Charles.

He had previously served as deputy to Mr Charles.

Mr Dhindsa said: “This is a victory for everyone who wants Derbyshire to be as safe as it can be, with the needs of victims at the heart of all policies and the police supported in the work that they do on behalf of everyone.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I have been privileged to meet people from every part of our county - its city, the towns, villages and rural areas during the course of this campaign. And the points that they have raised with me about policing and crime prevention have been invaluable.

“I will ensure that their voice is heard - that Derbyshire will say no to the privatisation of police services and I will make the strongest possible case to government for proper funding for this essential service.”

Mr Dhindsa said he would focus not only on law enforcement but also on rehabilitation of criminals.

“And there is no place for hate crime, domestic abuse or wildlife crime under my watch,” said Mr Dhindsa.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am ambitious for Derbyshire and simply want it to be one of the very best, crime-free areas in the country.

“If we all work together we can make that a reality.’

Police and crime commissioners are charged with securing efficient and effective policing of a police area.

They came about as a result of 2010 British general election.

The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition which followed wanted police forces to be more accountable to their communities than former police authorities.