Lib Dem PCC candidate cites Probation Trust work as ASBO alternative

Peter Andras, the Liberal Democrats’ Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate for the Northumbria force area, has used a visit to the Northumbria Probation Trust to warn his rivals to focus on effective ways of dealing with anti-social behaviour instead of positioning themselves for political fights.

Peter’s comments came after his Labour opponent for the position, Vera Baird, called the drop in the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) issued in the Northumbria area ‘alarming’ and urged the force to challenge the government on its plans to replace them with fast-tracked court judgements.

Peter said:

“Vera Baird’s comments show exactly why people do not want a former Member of Parliament as their elected PCC. Because she is bound by loyalty to the government she served in, she continues to push the policies implemented by that government even when, as in the case of ASBOs, they have not had the desired effect.

“Instead of pushing a policy that we know doesn’t work – and if it did, the government would not be scrapping it – it would be better to focus on ways of bringing about justice that are not only proven to work, but are a better way of using precious resources.

“I have visited the Probation Trust and seen first hand the vital work they do. The Trust’s work in delivering restorative and community justice measures, in collaboration with community and voluntary organisations, shows that there is an alternative to constantly increasing the numbers of things like ASBOs that are issued just to chase headlines and look ‘tough on crime’.”

The Police Reform Act of 2011 makes clear the duties and powers of elected Police & Crime Commissioners. The emphasis in the Act is on the role of the PCC in holding their Chief Constable to account and ensuring they secure value for money in the policing service provided.

Peter Andras has made a central plank of his campaign his plans to work with community and voluntary organisations, and community leaders and representatives. This is crucial for the delivery of restorative and community justice measures in collaboration with the police and the Probation Trust.

Peter has warned of the potential damage an elected PCC could do if their political agenda led them to interfere with the operational delivery of policing – a key concern of Liberal Democrats across the country.