Voters will decide the next Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire on Thursday, May 6, and here’s why independent candidate Adrian Stratton thinks you should vote for him.

My name is Adrian Stratton, known to most as Stratts. I would like to win your vote as an independent candidate in the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner election on Thursday, May 6 2021.

I retired from the Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2017 after serving 30 years at the front end of Policing. I worked towards preventing crimes but when these occurred, I was a committed officer and always worked towards a conviction. Supporting the victims was an essential part of my remit and I would do my best to help them achieve the closure they needed.

I have seen from the inside how money can be better spent, how politics and people connected with management and outside groups influence policing, despite having little first-hand experience with basic policing and dealing directly with the public.

I received seven Judges and Chief Constable commendations for the thoroughness of my investigations and my commitment to protecting the public.

I was acutely aware of how budget restrictions were compromising investigations for example my actions quickly introduced new equipment and training which enabled evidence from mobile phones to be produced in hours rather than weeks. This process negated the need to use outside companies and in the first year alone it saved of over £300,000.

I have compiled and been involved in many case cases at Court and have first-hand knowledge of the system and the frustrations of the Police and the public.

Retirement has given me a different perspective on the Force.

I have seen a lack of communication between the Police Force and the general public when reporting a crime or an unlawful incident.

I have seen the Public frustration when habitual offenders walk free and law-abiding citizens are fearful of walking down the street because of harassment, abuse or anti-social behaviour. I have listened to people who do not report these incidents as they feel ‘nothing will be done’ or ‘the Police are too busy’.

With me as your Police and Crime Commissioner:

• I will not make promises I cannot keep.

• The basics of policing will be improved.

• You will be able to contact the Police without vast delays.

• Public funds will be managed more efficiently without raising local taxes.

• I will review the policing plans to ensure you have the Police Force you expect.

Further details www.abettergloucestershire.com and www.facebook.com/adrianstrattsstrattonPCCGlos/