An equalities campaign officer has entered the arena as a contender for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (KPCC) role.
Gurvindher Sandher, 42, the current county chair of the Kent Police Independent Advisory Group and vice chair of the Kent Police and Crime Panel - who the KPCC reports to - believes political independence is key for person who takes up the police role.
Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 5
Mr Sandher said: “I am obviously standing on the platform of keeping party politics out of policing as well as being a local candidate who has worked across the county for 17 years with a track record of scrutinising the work of Kent Police.”
“There seems to be three issues which are at the forefront of people’s minds. “The first is about how important it is to ensure there is no party politics in policing.
“There is a view that party politics would have an impact on the independence of the police and lead to decisions based on politics and not on the issues of concern to members of the public.
The independent candidate added: “Secondly there continues to be a real desire from members of the public to see more visible policing working at the heart of our communities.
“The third point I have picked up is the fact that many people I have spoken to do not understand the role of Commissioner and that they will have a vote.
“Regardless of which way people vote, I strongly believe that they should make an informed choice as the role of Commissioner has the power to impact on everyone.
With just a month to go for the Police and Crime Commissioner elections on May 5, Mr Sandher says the campaign has been an enjoyable experience to date speaking to members of the community and understanding their hopes and concerns.
KPCC role is to hold the chief constable to account
Mr Sandher is also busy working with community partners on the forthcoming Vaisakhi celebrations taking place in Gravesham on April 16 and the Saint George’s Day celebrations in Gravesham and Dartford on April 22 and 23.
As well as controlling the police fund from which all Kent policing is financed, the KPCC role is to hold the chief constable to account.
Mr Sandher’s prospective rivals for the £85,000 KPCC post includes Matthew Scott (Conservative), Henry Bolton (UKIP), Tristan Osborne (Labour), Dave Naghi (Lib Dem), Steve Uncles (English Democrat), Tim Garbutt (Independent) and Fergus Wilson (Independent).
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