On Thursday, 25th April 2024, we hosted a Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Election Hustings at the Coach House. At this event, our community engaged with Avon & Somerset’s representatives from political parties running for the role of PCC: Katy Grant (Green Party), Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats), Clare Moody (Labour), and Mark Shelford (Conservative). We delved into their ideologies and plans, focusing on overseeing the local police force and ensuring they prioritise matters important to our communities. Our Associate, Rob Mitchell, led the event, facilitating discussions and guiding proceedings.
This event provided our racially minoritised communities with the opportunity to directly engage with the candidates for the role of Avon & Somerset Constabulary’s Police and Crime Commissioner. With over 20% of Bristol's population being from a racially minoritised background, it was crucial for the future Police and crime Commissioner to address the concerns of our communities. Figures from YouGov (2020) revealed disparities in confidence in local police among different ethnic groups, highlighting the urgency of addressing such issues.
Photo from left to right, Host, Rob Mitchell, with representatives Katy Grant (Green Party), Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats), Clare Moody (Labour), and Mark Shelford (Conservative).
Katy Grant (Green Party) has extensive experience in conflict and emergency environments. She advocates for a prevention-focused approach to crime, aiming to collaborate with youth service providers, schools, and families to tackle knife and violent crime structurally. Katy also stresses the importance of visible police presence and strengthening victim services.
Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats) is notable for his contributions to council housing. Benet prioritises prevention over reactive measures, advocating for increased police visibility and community intervention. He supports initiatives like the "broken windows" policy to address smaller crimes before they escalate.
Clare Moody (Labour) has a background in the EU Parliament and the Trade Union movement and wants to work with organisations like BSWN. She emphasises the need for community-led policing and aims to bridge the trust gap between the police and communities, particularly in areas affected by inequality, by prioritising neighbourhood policing and victim support.
Mark Shelford (Conservative) draws from his military and business background, focusing on structural scrutiny of the police force and implementing transparent policies. He highlights achievements such as increasing rape charges going to court and prioritises tackling knife crime through a public health approach.
Photo from left to right, representatives Katy Grant (Green Party), Benet Allen (Liberal Democrats), Clare Moody (Labour), and Mark Shelford (Conservative).
In the Q&A, Mark scrutinised the police force structure, while Clare prioritised formulating a comprehensive police and crime plan to set strategic goals and ensure accountability. During the audience questions, attendees stressed the pivotal role of language in shaping perceptions of policing, advocating for a paradigm shift towards portraying the police as a service rather than a force. These discussions highlighted the multifaceted approach needed to address the concerns of our communities. They emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and community engagement in shaping the future of policing in Avon and Somerset.
Watch the full coverage of the PCC Election Hustings below.