Minister urges crime tsars to boost private sector role in policing

Damian Green, in his first speech since being appointed in last week’s reshuffle, said partnerships between police forces and the private sector would save money and improve services.

In a speech to candidates for November’s first police and crime commissioner elections, he also urged the first holders of office to increase collaboration between constabularies.

“I hope you will all consider the value of private sector partnering to achieve both cost savings and better services for the public,” Mr Green said at a briefing held by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in London.

“Every pound saved means a pound saved to be used on the front line putting officers on the streets.

“I want more officers to be out there getting on with the job of fighting crime – we all know they can’t do it if they are bogged down with red tape and form-filling.”

The Home Office has been criticised over the move to elected commissioners because of low levels of awareness and expectations of a poor turnout.

There has also been concern about the decision not fund a candidates’ mailshot and to instead give details on a central website, which may not be accessible to all.

The Electoral Commission has described the low turnout in May’s local elections as a “wake up call” ahead of the commissioners’ poll.

Commission chairman Jenny Watson said: “While we don’t agree with the decisions taken by the Government about how to make people aware of these elections, it’s now time to focus on making the arrangements work for voters. We will do all we can to make people aware of the candidate information website.”

Former Hull Council leader Simone Butterworth has meanwhile been chosen as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Humberside Police commissioner.

Coun Butterworth, the first female candidate to enter the race for the Humberside job, said: “I’m standing in this election because people in the Humberside force area deserve a progressive alternative to the choices on offer.”