POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Martin Surl launched his manifesto for re-election today by re-affirming his promise to continue to support projects designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour around the county.

Mr. Surl, who is standing as an Independent candidate in a three way contest with Conservative and Labour, is basing his campaign on his record since he was elected in 2012 and says party politics has no place in policing.

He said: “I believe that policing and politics should be kept separate. Policing should serve and protect all people, regardless of their political stance or preference.

“The PCC should represent those people and challenge the policing of the county from an independent position unencumbered by party politics”.

Mr Surl’s 17-page manifesto is based on developing the priorities that have been the foundation of his police and crime plan for the last three and a half years.

It includes making sure the police come when they are needed wherever they are needed and reaching agreement with the Chief Constable and holding her to account on new operational priorities designed to tackle growing concerns around knife crime and domestic abuse.

He has also pledged to protect the elderly and most vulnerable while also keeping young people safe on the roads, on a night out and on the internet.

The PCC also pledged to bring about a sustainable increase in the size of both the Constabulary and the Special Constabulary.

He said: “Now is not the time for a change of direction, not least because it would be disruptive to the police and the many organisations with which the Constabulary and I work.

“Having brought the police through a period of unprecedented austerity and re-organisation, further change could threaten the stability of the Constabulary and is not what is needed now.

“I am the only candidate with direct experience of being the Commissioner or a front line police officer.

“Before the last election, I made 40 promises. I have delivered 39 of them and am still working on the final one. I am a man of my word”.

Mr Surl was the first PCC in the country to make cybercrime a policing priority.

His programme for a second term includes developing the Constabulary’s cybercrime fighting capability and committing funds to local road safety schemes.

He will also focus on supporting the Restorative Gloucestershire service which brings victims and offenders together.

Finally he has pledged to continue to promote environmentally friendly services, buildings and vehicles for the wellbeing of the people of Gloucestershire.

The election takes place on 5 May, the same day as local council elections.