Law and Order
We need a massive increase in the number of police on our streets, much tougher court sentences, and urgent reform of our overcrowded prisons. We need a zero-tolerance approach to crime, while also tackling the many complex causes of crime. Local officers in Basildon District are working hard, but they are being held back by red tape and misguided targets which hinder their walking the streets, catching criminals, and making arrests.
With our jails full to bursting, criminals are now being released early or spared prison altogether. Thousands of offenders have already been released early in the East of England alone, and the consequences are being felt locally.
Only recently we had to fight hard to stop a bail hostel for criminals released early being introduced into a residential area. The plans were brought forward without consultation with local people because of prison overcrowding. Read more here and here.
I want to see a stronger emphasis on neighbourhood policing and giving local people a greater say on how police forces are run. Forces should be accountable to residents. That is why I support directly-elected police commissioners. I also organised a Law and Order Summit at Noak Bridge Community Hall, which I hope encouraged co-operation between residents and the police. Read more.
I have also discussed policing priorities with both Chief Inspector Mark Wheeler and Chief Constable Roger Baker of Essex Police. Read more. Better opening hours for local police stations will also help, and I was delighted to hear that stations in Billericay, Wickford, Laindon and Pitsea will now open seven days a week. This is excellent news – after all, criminals do not work to a 6-day week!
We must always remember when talking about human rights and political correctness that the law-abiding majority also have their rights. The criminal chooses to commit a crime – the victim has no choice in the matter.
