We are providing all the candidates seeking election as Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) with the opportunity to tell our readers what their priorities are, and to tell us a little more about themselves.
We’ve asked the same four questions to each candidate, for straightforward comparison, and we have invited candidates to supply social media and website links if they choose to.
In this article we speak to Tony Kearon, standing for the Labour Party.
Related topics:
- Click here to read other Staffordshire PFCC candidate interviews
- Click here to read other articles about the Labour Party
- Click here to read other articles about the PCC elections 2021
(1) Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Tony Kearon, I live in Staffordshire with my family and my work is based in the County although I often work all over the country and beyond (when we aren’t in lockdown).
I grew up on a council estate and went to my local comprehensive school.
After school I did various jobs including labouring and warehouse work, and for a number of years I worked as a postman.
Then I completed an access course, and went to University as a mature student. Now I am a Criminologist with over 20 years’ experience in my day job.
(2) What do you feel are the policing priorities in our area?
Staffordshire is a large County, with a wide range of policing challenges. So we can’t have a one size fits all set of priorities.
Rural, village, small town or urban, north or south, every community should be listened to, its concerns taken seriously and it should get a policing response that meets its needs.
We need investment in prevention and early intervention, to nip crime in the bud, reduce demand on police time and free up officers.
This also needs support agencies across the region working together fully, sharing information and resources, not duplicating effort or working in siloes.
(3) What initiatives would you seek to implement if elected on 6th May?
A POLICE PRESENCE IN EVERY COMMUNITY – investing in community policing to reassure residents and deter crime
MORE POLICE OFFICERS – fighting for a real increase in the number of Police officers for Staffordshire.
MAKING OUR TOWN CENTRES FEEL SAFE AGAIN – I’ll work with Police, Councils, businesses, drug, alcohol & mental health services to sort things out.
TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR – investing in services for young people AND tackling persistent trouble causers.
INVESTING IN OUR FIRE SERVICE – securing the funding to deliver a fully staffed service with powers and training to deal with fires, floods and other environmental challenges.
(4) What skills/experience would you look to bring to the role?
I’m a criminologist, with over 20 years experience of working with police, fire services, councils, businesses and residents to reduce crime and deliver safer communities.
I’ve chaired a successful community safety partnership, and have been involved in domestic homicide reviews.
I’ve supported victims of crimes from business crime and burglary to domestic violence and sexual assault. I’ve worked with police commissioners and councils of every political persuasion, and diverse communities.
I will be a commissioner for EVERY resident and community across Staffordshire without fear or favour.
I will bring professionalism, work ethic and years of experience of delivering safer communities.
