I have spent months listening to residents across Derbyshire, in our villages, towns, rural communities and city.

Full statement

I understand and share their community safety and policing concerns and I believe everyone should feel safe no matter where they live, work or study in our region.

It’s impossible to deliver the best for our residents if we keep making cuts to our public services. Our police are under significant strain and struggling to do the best they can with limited resources.

Derbyshire deserves better and on May 2 a vote for change is possible. We can rebuild, we can invest, and we can offer our communities and the next generation safety and security.

Having graduated with a degree in criminology and international relations and having served as a district councillor, managing the Safer and Stronger Communities portfolio, I know the challenges ahead.

If elected, I will use my public and private sector experience to provide solutions that will help transform our communities by:

Preventing crime and anti-social behaviour through prioritising early intervention and diversionary activities. Protecting residents and providing support for victims of crime and those impacted by crime. Policing our neighbourhoods with increased police officer and PCSO numbers. Targeting resources and securing more funding. Prosecuting more offenders by working with the CPS and police to improve communication, reduce delays, and bolster case file quality to drive up the charge rate. Partnering and collaborating with key organisations, criminal justice partners, schools and businesses to strengthen our strategic approach to tackling crime. Ensuring a visible and accessible presence in our communities that puts the needs of local people first. Restoring public trust, confidence and pride in our police service, which is imperative. Statement prepared by Neil Rayner, agent, Floor 2, Kelvin House, RTC Business Park, London Road, Derby, DE24 8UP