More feet on the beat, pledges former top cop (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Former top cop pledges to crack down on 'yobbish behaviour'

8:40am Sunday 30th September 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A FORMER top cop has pledged to increase ‘feet on the beat’ if he becomes Cheshire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner.Former Assistant Chief Constable for Cheshire, the Conservative candidate for the November election, launched his manifesto in Widnes on Monday.

He aims to more than double special constables from 450 to 1,000, cut crime, crack down on ‘yobbish behaviour’ and tackle drug and alcohol abuse.

Mr Dwyer, aged 62, from Nantwich, said: “Increasing special constables is a cost effective way of increasing feet on the beat.

“These people live in the community and know the problems. Every town and village will have its own special constable.

“It’s not about replacing police officers with specials.

“I want to make savings elsewhere through better purchasing, and collaboration with other forces. With this extra money, I will increase police staff where appropriate.”

He plans to combat anti-social behaviour and set up a sentencing unit to monitor punishment handed out by courts.

Mr Dwyer said: “I will ensure the police get tough on yobbish behaviour. Drunkenness, graffiti, littering and allowing dogs to foul footpaths are all unacceptable.

“These crimes will only increase if we accept or ignore them.”

The PCC will replace Cheshire Police Authority and hold the Chief Constable to account.

Mr Dwyer said: “I want people to understand how important this role is to them. I will be the public representative. I want to know the fears and worries of our community. The whole idea is to ensure that local needs are reflected in the police plan.

“I can’t do this without the help of the public.”

He has a wife, Zena. His 23-year-old daughter, Nicola, a soldier, is set to serve in Afghanistan in the spring.

The election for Cheshire’s first PCC will be held on Thursday, November 15.

Halton Clr John Stockton is the Labour candidate and Sarah Flannery is standing as an Independent.