Police chief hopeful sets out his plan

KEN Little from Whitstable has thrown his hat into the ring for the job of Kent's new police and crime commissioner.

Mr Little, 57, of Ford Walk, Yorkletts, has come up with a 20-point plan to help him get elected.

He said: "When I started the Save Herne Bay High School campaign the county council was adamant it was going to close the school because of its poor academic results.

"But because of the changes I helped to make – including the appointment of a new headmaster – it is now a flagship school.

"Kent Police has a difficult job but the public expects full transparency, full information and disclosure and accountability.

"The public must be heard and, more importantly, listened to."

He added: "The public do not want the police investigating themselves as is the case with the Professional Standards Unit, who are all ex-police officers. That is like MPs being accountable for their expenses.

"Transparency is not a word Kent Police understands or acknowledges. You have to climb a mountain and hand over cash to get any information and it takes months – and then it will not disclose all the material.

"Did you know that there are more than 300 police officers in Kent with a criminal record?"

His manifesto includes:

A complaints page on the web where the public can leave complaints about antisocial behaviour and speeding cars. A dedicated officer would be responsible for seeing through complaints, visiting the site and talking to alleged perpetrators.

A "be-advised" page where the public can leave information about car tax dodgers and dumped cars. Special constables to follow up the tips.

A nuisance page for minor but aggravating antisocial behaviour, such as lighting fires during the day, playing loud music all day or dogs running loose. It would be monitored by non-police staff.

A results page to show how police have recognised, acted, and considered the public. It would be operated by the Freedom of Information office at Kent Police headquarters. It would include the number of officers working in any area, whether they had any part-time work, how many vehicles Kent Police uses and how many officers have bicycles.

The new 101 non-emergency telephone number to be advertised in libraries, council offices, schools, shopping centres and on police cars, ambulances, fire engines, taxis and buses.

Community police officers drafted into areas with lots of complaints.

Special constables to have uniforms, tape recorders, cameras, phones and radios sponsored by local businesses.

Traffic wardens to snoop for out-of-date tax discs, bald tyres and blown bulbs.

Investigation into the number of deaths of cyclists on Kent roads.

More closed-circuit TV security cameras in shopping areas, high streets and parks, funded by local businesses.

Police to warn teenage drivers about the dangers of speeding.

Police Freedom of Information office to publish a web page with all information unless it endangers the police or public.

Front-desk police staff to be identifiable with a numbered badge.

Overhaul of complaints procedure against police to increase public confidence.

More money for skateboarding, BMX bikes and other activities for teenagers at schools.

Signs outside public buildings such as churches or schools to say when building work is not being carried out, to alert the public to the actions of thieves and vandals.

Custody web page for "visitors" to cells to record what their treatment was like and if improvements are needed.