Three candidates are standing for election as Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

The current PCC, Conservative Alison Hernandez, is running for re-election, and she’s up against a Labour candidate, Daniel Steel, and a Liberal Democrat, Steve Lodge.

Ms Hernandez has been in the role since 2016 and said she is proud of her achievements, having made ‘real, tangible progress’ in the four priority areas she set for policing in 2021: tackling violence, antisocial behaviour and drugs, and improving road safety. She plans to continue this work.

She said: “Devon and Cornwall enjoys the highest number of police officers that it has ever had. We see an estate of police stations and other facilities that has been well-managed, refreshed and renewed where needed, and we have seen a progressive investment in technology and resources. I am delighted to report that having listened to our communities, my programme of reopening police enquiry offices across our cities and towns has already seen 13 open where they are most needed, with more to come.”

But both of her challengers say more could be done to reduce crime and restore trust in the police.

Daniel Steel (Labour) said he would bring ‘strength, integrity and honesty’ to the role of PCC, and outlined the following pledges:

Put police back on the streets: More police officers and PCSOs on our streets to prevent crime, catch offenders and tackle anti-social behaviour.

Tackle the levels of violence against women and girls: By creating new police specialists to tackle violence and rape.

Prevent youth crime: Knife crime is soaring. I’ll ensure the police crack down on serious violence and prevent young people getting drawn into crime.

Boost crime prevention and victim support: To make it more local, and better focused on the challenges that face our rural areas and towns. 

Crack down on illegal sewage dumping: I’m backing Labour’s tough plans to ensure water bosses overseeing repeated illegal sewage dumping are prosecuted.

Steve Lodge said the Liberal Democrats ‘have sharpened their focus on law enforcement and criminal justice’ with crime and policing policies that ‘strike a balance between Prevention, Effectiveness and Trust. The party believes that ‘communication is the bedrock of effective policing’.

He said: “Current government policies have missed the mark and we need more innovative and community-focused approaches to crime and policing.

His pledges are:  

Engage our senior officers - committing to bridge the gap between the police and the communities they protect.

Back fair funding and smarter spending - Ensuring our police force has the resources required to fight crime effectively.

Steer a return to proper community policing - Strengthening bonds with local communities to prevent crime and improve safety.

Promote rehabilitation - Working to reduce reoffending and secure a safer future for all residents.

The election will take place on May 2, and the winner will serve a four-year term in the role.