A common issue across all the wards I have canvassed is how local politicians are dealing, or unable to deal with, anti-social behaviour and petty criminality.
It is a tough nut to crack because criminality blights the lives of many but requires an holistic approach with Council, Police and government.
For a Council candidate it is but impossible to do anything other then highlight the comments of people to Police and attend PACT meetings. It is extremely frustrating to have to tell people that you can do bugger all, but in effect as an opposition candidate, all I can do is point to Police and local Councillors, who it is hoped are dealing with the problems.
One such case exists in Thorold Road in Luton. I have spoken with several residents who are at their wits end because of a problem family. The Police and the Community support teams are no doubt aware and are working to ensure problems do not escalate, but what more can this community do. Community tension in parts of Luton remains a real concern for all, and so we can not afford the ball to drop by any government agency or service. It is pressing problem.
It is also a political point because I also look at the future for the area and indeed, how communities such as Luton will cope when Police budgets are slashed by Conservatives, and indeed what will happen if they are being managed by a Police Commissioner, who is constantly looking over their shoulder for an election every four years.
Communities or wards with a lower vote turnout or wrong voter profile could suffer as a result.
Take a commissioner who stands on the premise of more rural policing in Kent - this indeed could win the election, but would be the wrong outcome for fighting crime. Despite the most voters pitching for this outcome, police will be aware that rural areas may lack police because of the lower risk of crime profile. Who is right in this case? Combat higher crime in areas that do not vote or visible policing in areas with lower crime who do. A very real potential outcome.
I passionately believe that this elected police chief is high-minded and intellectual frippery and a total waste of money. Not one person has asked for it on the doorstep, not one.
So it is with a mixed welcome that Medway Labour has announced its commitment to combating anti-social behaviour, kerb crawling, drug usage and alcoholism that blights communities.
Labour will also campaign against elected police chiefs, cuts to police budgets and will look to encourage community pay-back
Kerb crawling is a particularly vile and degrading act perpetrated by one human being on another. It lowers the status of the victim, who is often dependent on drugs and in some cases mentally vulnerable. The issue over Councillor Brice I believe highlights clearly where the Tories are on this; despite preaching a hard line on Kerb crawling, there was a gaping hole of silence after his antics.
Prostitution also remains a problem. There is a strain within the Medway Conservatives which seeks to liberalise this entirely. Once again, for the reasons above, I do not agree with that position. As a society it sets a wrong message on relationships and on the treatment of women.
The Tories did support the Labour Government on the establishment of PACTs and have developed a new ASBO which this blog is extremely sceptical about.
Worryingly though, the Tories opposed the introduction of Police Community Support Officers in Medway and are supporting a government which is cutting 1500 staff and £53m cut to Kent Police. Coupled with a soft-sentencing policy and cut to magistrate services we are perhaps months away from a collapse in parts of our Criminal Justice system.
The Labour Government did have some significant success at reducing crime, creating neighbourhood accountability, improving diversity in the workforce and introducing real accountability and transparency. There was a lot left to do, but crime was at a record low on leaving office in May 2010.
Labour locally will focus on stamping out anti-social behaviour by championing the Police and fighting to retain our PCSOs. We will also make the case for increased funding for PCSOs and community initiatives that include community pay-back for some, but yes prison for others.
The Tory 'hug a hoodie' approach will not work.
It is time we put the community first. It is time to stamp out anti-social behaviour.
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