Race begins to find a Police Commissioner for Gloucestershire
FORMER Cheltenham police officer Martin Surl has become the first candidate to stand for the county’s Police Commissioner.
The 54-year-old, who was brought up in the town, has thrown his hat into the ring for the new role.
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Martin Surl
The position, which will start in November, will see police authorities replaced with directly-elected commissioners. They will have the power to hire and fire chief constables, manage the budget and set policing priorities.
Mr Surl first joined Gloucestershire Constabulary as a constable 30 years ago. Since then, he has worked in almost every district of the county in a variety of ranks, either as a detective or in uniform.
After 15 years on the frontline, he eventually moved to work in London on counter-terrorism.
Mr Surl said: “I was born and bred in Gloucestershire and my family has been here for generations.
“I am proud of my Gloucestershire roots and it would be an enormous privilege to be elected its first commissioner.”
The married father of two has promised to look closely at the recent debate over funding for the force.
Police authority members decided not to increase its part of council tax for the year despite protests from leading officers.
He added: “This is a dangerous situation as something will have to give, but at the moment we don’t know what that is.
“As Commissioner, I would aim to fill that vacuum.
“There is a real danger that party politics will start to influence the agenda and that’s why I shall stay independent of any of that.”
7 Comments
by capital1978
Friday, February 24 2012, 10:24AM
“According to Channel 4 Tim Brain might be standing”
by cncnncncnc
Wednesday, February 22 2012, 1:27AM
“I have a suggestion for him if he gets elected. He says that following the Police Authority's decision not to raise police funding 'something's got to give.' Well, we have seen officer numbers and civilian numbers cut. With less staff at ground level there is then less of a requirement for as many managers. My information is that far from reducing Superintendents the figures have actually risen. Let's face it, Martin, you and I both know that Tewkesbury, the Forest of Dean and Cirencester do not need a Superintendent or for that matter a Chief Inspector. That is a joke and demonstrates to me that the force's senior managers put their own kind well in front of what is good for the organisation. To say it stinks is a massive understatement. So, start with clearing out the bloated senior management in Gloucestershire and then I will know that you are serious about doing the job for the good of the community
which, no doubt, you will claim.”
by feebee12345
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 6:43PM
“i know him, what a nightmare he would be. DO NOT vote for him, let his £5k go to waste”
by Alphonso2
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 12:35PM
“Anything to keep out the usual suspects (county councillors)!”
by Lecorche
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 8:48AM
“Do we need a Police Commissioner when we have a Mayor and a Sheriff that we could be allowed vote for to do the job ?
Also,if we end up with a Commissioner,will we need all those Chief Inspectors and other assorted jobsworths,or even a Chief Constable ?
Decisions,Decisions...”
by capital1978
Tuesday, February 21 2012, 8:08AM
“Would be a disaster having an ex policeman in this role. A real disaster. This is a job for an experienced independent minded politician or business person.”
by raidermanuk
Monday, February 20 2012, 10:24PM
“At 54 he is still young and should be using his wealth of experience as a serving police officer. At his level (Superintendant) he wouldn't be out grappling with crims so physical fitness is not an issue. Senior officers should not retire before age 65.
That aside, it seems a little perverse that an ex Superintendant could be instrumental in the hiring and firing of a Chief Constable.”