Crime and policing are such a critical issue to South Yorkshire that I believe it has to be a central priority for me, even though it does not fall directly within the Mayor’s formal remit.
Being a victim of crime can be a lonely, frustrating and disheartening experience. As the next Mayor of South Yorkshire, I can give you a guarantee that I will be an advocate for victims and make sure your voice will be heard on the matter.
Having said that, prevention is better than the cure: currently I work with the prison service to rehabilitate offenders back into society, by getting them the training they need in prison, to have a job all ready on release. This has given up to 95% reduction in re-offending in selected schemes, and I will work to expand this throughout our region, making our society safer.
Working alongside the elected Police and Crime Commissioner, I will promote a clampdown on uninsured drivers and drink/drug drivers. It is imperative that we ensure those who wilfully endanger the lives of others are met with the full force of the law. In addition to this, I will spearhead an anti-knife campaign that works with local schools to highlight the damage that carrying a weapon can have.
Using industry expertise from local hospitality venues, the police and universities in the city, we will work to develop a realistic plan to combat drink-spiking cases and make the city a safer environment for the younger generation.