Ben aiming to become country's youngest police chief - The Stratford Observer

Ben aiming to become country's youngest police chief

Stratford Editorial 10th Feb, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A ‘FRESH’ face is hoping to become the country’s youngest ever Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) when he stands for the Warwickshire post in May.

At the tender age of 22, Ben Twomey says a new approach to policing is needed. The Warwick resident said prevention of crime will be his top priority.

He told The Observer: “I intend to bring a new perspective to the debate on crime, and as an independent candidate can make a clear promise that I will do all in my power to keep party-politics out of policing.

“For too long politicians have been hung up on the need for more police officers. What we really need is fewer criminals.




“If we can break the cycle of re-offending and stop young people from going down the wrong path, we will secure our safety well into the future.”

The history and politics graduate, who has worked for current Warwickshire PCC Ron Ball and  Durham Police’s commissioner, urged citizens of Warwickshire must reclaim their right to a say in policing.


He added: “There are policy areas that need refocusing, like drugs and alcohol, and those that need prioritising, like cyber-crime and domestic abuse.

“I understand the opportunities and limitations of the role more than most. If I get elected in May, I will hit the ground running, and get straight to work on making our county a safer place for all.”

Ben’s manifesto pledges include setting up a citizens’ panel that will be directly involved in policy, and refocusing drug policy by getting addicts into recovery and tackling organised crime.

Polling day is set for May 5. The deadline for registering to vote is April 18.

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