Voting in this week’s Police and Crime Commissioner Elections is the best way to keep our police public and oppose government cuts to essential policing services, UNISON highlighted today.
The elections, taking place on Thursday 15 November, will decide the future direction for policing in terms of privatisation and police resources.
Yet despite huge public opposition to privatisation of police services, the union warned that a low turnout could see the election of candidates who support cuts, outsourcing and privatisation, unless the public use their vote.
Ben Priestley, UNISON national officer for police staff said:
“These important elections have been under-publicised and may see low voter-turnout, but one thing is sure; they will go ahead. The public can only save policing from privatisation and cuts by voting this Thursday.
“Many members of the public may be uncertain over the role of the police and crime commissioner, but they are going to be powerful local politicians who will control police funds and direct policing in every community across England and Wales. Their election cannot be left to chance.’
“There is a meaningful choice to be made here, between policing run for local people, or policing run for the shareholders of private companies.
“More than 60% of the public has already told us they are opposed to privatisation in the police service, but this is their last chance to make their voices heard.
By voting for public services, electors can stop their police force being carved up for profit, and communities can oppose swingeing cuts to policing budgets.”
The public has made its support for properly funded, neighbourhood policing clear, but much of this will be up for grabs and dependent on the outcome of the PCC elections.
The union recently challenged candidates for the election to come clean on their position on the main issues – which also include a commitment to equality and support for PCSOs – and pledged to hold them to these promises after the elections.
ENDS
