Dear Mr Taylor

With the elections for Police and Crime Commissioners on 15 November rapidly approaching, I thought it right to bring to your attention that the 3000 serving Sussex Police Officers, together with their families and friends, are likely to form a notable proportion of the electorate. As a candidate for the position, I consider it important to give you the opportunity to comment on some of the issues which are likely to be of interest to those voters.

My email to you reflects my own thoughts and views, and I cannot realistically hope to cover all the points that Police Officers in all of the varied roles, ranks and departments might wish to raise. However, as a serving officer I hope you will agree that I do have an insight into the issues that most concern officers like myself. This email is being sent to every candidate for the Sussex PCC position, and my intention is to consolidate your responses and disseminate them amongst my colleagues, through the Sussex Police Federation.

I hope you will understand and forgive my decision to remain anonymous for the time being.

One final thing before the actual questions; as I am sure you will appreciate, police officers tend to be quite good at realising when we are not being told the truth, and we have little time for evasion of the issue or prevarication. I would strongly advise against what might politely be called 'politician's answers'. I only ask that you get to the point and are truthful, and that your answers reflect what you honestly believe would be best for your electorate and the Police Service, rather than what you believe matches the 'party line' or what you think people want to hear.

Thank you.

1.There is great emphasis by the Government on the role of PCCs to 'represent the wishes of the community'. Often, the 'local priorities' as set by 'community panels' are often confined to dog fouling, speeding, parking problems, and similar issues. These are obviously of concern, but they do not reflect the true role of the Police in relation to more serious crime and disorder. How will you balance the contrast between what the public want (and will ask you for), and what the public need?

By being transparent and truthful. I won't be afraid to tell it straight. Evil people commit evil acts which the general public would rather close their eyes too, but which the police must deal with. Its a matter of education too. Here is an opportunity for both the community and police, to learn more about the challenges the police face and vice-the-verser. As a PCC, I want to be seen as a bridge between Sussex Police and Sussex communities. And trust my character and style of approach satisfies both parties, fostering the environment where concerns are discussed with confidence and acted upon.
 
2.Although you will be responsible to the local electorate for the delivery of local policing, there will be occasions when central Government decisions and policies impact on the ability of the Police to deliver either existing or new services. How will you balance the requirements of Government with the expectations of your electorate, especially when central funding is insufficient to meet new demands?

By trusting my ability to think-out-of-the-box and looking for initiatives from places where other PCC's may not look. Above all else I want my first term in office to be a roaring success; where results are achieved and expectations surpassed. I will not be afraid to ask for help from both the Chief Constable and the Shadow PCC Panel, to make that happen. We all want the best for our family, friends and community and I will work as a team member to honour my pledges as a PCC to the public and achieving the results demanded by central government.
 
3.Where do you feel that cuts to the budget of Sussex Police should fall?

Its my understanding the Chief Constable and his team have already met and surpassed their budget cut targets, without the blood-bath so many feared. Of-course I only want cuts which eliminate the wasteful and unnecessary. Other than this, I'm sure I would be in a better position to answer this question, sitting behind my PCC desk with all the facts and figures in front of me. (One thing is for sure... I won't cut salaries.)
 
4.During this time of budget cuts across the public sector, officers feel that the Police Service is taking on more and more responsibility from other agencies. In particular, there is the feeling that Social Services and Mental Health teams are deliberately using the Police to cover deficiencies in their own service provision. As PCC, what would your response to this be?

STOP and BACK OFF... I am open to the compromise of showing empathy with other agencies and going the extra mile to help. But there is a limit. The delivery of a first class policing service is paramount. By standing up for Sussex police in ways the Chief Constable could not, I'll be able to fight for the interests of the Police from a different direction. I'm confident the interests of the Police Service can be protected without sacrifice.
 
5.The two parts of the Winsor Report have raised much comment regarding the wide-ranging changes to the Police Service, and to the conditions of service of Officers, that they recommend. Is there any part of the Winsor Reports with which you disagree?

I confess I haven't read this report and wasn't aware of its existence before I read this question. After a minimal amount of research, I'm aware the rank and file of police officers across the country disagree with the Winsor Reports. Just the fact that a civilian had been tasked by the Home Secretary to tell professional policemen how to do their job, causes me concern. Political meddling always ends in disaster and I will read this report in depth to get a clear picture of whats going on.
 
6.It is fair to say that morale within the lower ranks of the Police Service is particularly low at present. However, Officers still regularly work 'above and beyond' on the basis of what is called 'goodwill', and there is the impression that the day-to-day work of the Police Service would be substantially impaired if this 'goodwill' were to be withdrawn. How will you maintain this level of goodwill among Officers, when there is the feeling that it is no longer being recognised and appreciated by senior officers, politicians and the media?

Luncheon Vouchers for police officers and their families is a simple and effective way to show goodwill and reward them for going 'above and beyond' the call of duty. Gestures of Goodwill can be big and small. I want to raise moral in Sussex police by backing winners. Backing the good police officers who go beyond the call of duty, because they are great and greatness should be rewarded. I will badger the Chief Constable to promote good police officers and sack the bad. Only by rewarding good practice and cutting the bad, will Sussex Police force be the best in the country.

7.Sussex Police has recently made the decision to issue Taser to a higher percentage of front-line uniformed officers, and specifically non-Firearms trained officers. What is your position on the issue of Taser to all frontline officers?

NO, I don't like Taser. I will represent the interests of police and the community and would rather a broken bone than a fatal heart attack. I call for the ban of Taser weapons being used against the public and alternative measures of defence be explored.
 
8.There is regular, considerable criticism in the media of decisions made and actions taken, by individual officers, either in the context of public order situations or in wider investigations. Officers often feel that they are not sufficiently supported publicly for decisions which are made in good faith, often in dynamic and stressful circumstances. As a prospective PCC, what is your position on voicing public support for the officers under your responsibility?

I once stood in front of a baying crowd of Smash EDO supporters and defended the actions of the police, by saying “Give the police a break, when you're faced with HATE all day, its human nature to thrown it straight back.” I promptly got booed and pushed aside but I stand by my words. I love the police and will defend them with my life. Its important police officers are treated in the manner they deserve and that the community are treated the same.
 
9.In a similar way, officers feel that the Police are wrongly criticised for the failings of other parts of the Criminal Justice System, particularly the CPS, Probation Service and the Courts. As PCC, you will have no responsibility for these departments. How will you ensure that the Police are treated fairly when this situation arises?

Educate. I'll make it my duty to educate the community about the Criminal Justice System and how it works. I will visit community centres and schools through-out Sussex and explain the processes of Law and Order. I will be a visible PCC, who's ready to travel to any part of Sussex at a moment's notice, to tackle problems and answer questions face-to-face.
 
10.It has recently been announced that PCCs will be required to swear an oath of impartiality. Will you please give your view on whether membership of a political party is compatible with this oath?

You can check out my Swearing of the Oath at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsPHPPT2mjg. Fun aside, I expect the oath is not compatible with impartiality because the temptation to influence, from either fear or favour, is too much from a candidate who's fame and fortune is dependant on membership of a political party.
 
11.On 29th June 2010, Theresa May said to the Police: “Your job is nothing more, and nothing less, than to cut crime”. Will you please explain your view of the Home Secretary’s statement?

She expects PCC's to decide upon what crime cutting private services to take on. The secret is out that the public are now the customers and the police are the providers. The process of privatisation has already begun and the PCC elections are part of the ultimate plan along that path.
 
12.What is your view on the relevance of the 'Office of Constable' in the modern world?

The 'Office of Constable' is even more relevant, than any other time in history. We are facing an immediate future of friction between government and people, with the police in the middle. The police swear an Oath of Allegiance to the Monarch, just as I once did when I joined the RMP. This is to ensure separation of power from political influence. I like to see 'The Office of Constable' as the Police's Covenant with the Public (PCP). Lets remember; each police officer carries the burden of their personal liability for their actions or inaction. As a PCC, I will help the Police make the right actions.

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Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer these questions. I look forward to your feed-back. I love the police and relish the opportunity of helping to shape its future. I joined the police service because I want to bring criminals to justice and believe no one should be above the Law. I hope these answers will help you vote for me as Sussex's first Police and Crime Commissioner on the 15th November 2012 (remember SV, you can vote for a second preference.... Why not second me?)

I will be attending Hustings at the following venues on dates and times shown; all will finish at 9.00pm. Thursday 27th September, Arundel Town Hall, doors open at 1900 starting at 1930. Monday 1st October, Heathfield Community Centre, doors open at 1900 starting at 1930. Tuesday 2nd October, in Martlets Hall, Burgesss Hill, doors open at 1900 starting at 1930 and on Friday 5th October, Battle Memorial Hall, doors open at 1915 starting at 1945.

Yours sincerely,
Matt Taylor
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Candidate