Do you know who the Gloucestershire police and crime commissioner is?
DO voters actually know who is their police and crime commissioner?
Well, it seems after a national election and 100 days in office, the majority of people in Gloucester still could not name him.
Independent Martin Surl was voted into the position in November last year, in what was the lowest peacetime election turnout.
The Citizen took to the streets of the city to see if people knew anything about the incumbent of the £65,000-a-year role, which gives him the power to set force budgets and even hire and fire chief constables.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Hannah Cutts, 17, from Gloucester, said: "I haven't got a clue who he is or what he does, I have never heard of it before."
Fred Wait, 76, from Tuffley, said: "Who is Martin Surl? I have never heard of him."
He said he would love to see more police on the streets and the money spent on that.
Mike Lewis, 27, from Innsworth, said: "I've got no idea who it is, isn't that the guy who no-one voted for?
"I'm aware of the role, and I think his wages would be better spent in other areas."
Just 16 per cent of eligible electors voted in the county, while nationally it was about 15 per cent.
James Hammond, 68, from Gloucestershire, said: "I have heard of the role, but I don't know who's it is. I didn't vote."
Nationally, a survey by the Electoral Reform System almost 90 per cent of people couldn't name their PCC. Helen, from Gloucester, said: "I have never heard of him. I have heard about the PCC but I have no idea what they do."
Gavin Ware, 25, from Gloucester, did not know either, he said: "I couldn't tell you who it is or what they do. They should spend that money doing up the city centre."
Meanwhile, Mr Surl said: "Hopefully, more and more people will get to know me and understand what I stand for as my plans for reducing crime and increasing peace and good order continue to take shape."
2 Comments
by Ms_Superstar
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 11:44AM
“Mr Surl's job is Police AND CRIME Commissioner. His primary action so far has been to apply for greater police funding, as could be expected from a former copper.
This is likely to have virtually no effect on crime. We need to get tough on the causes of crime - lack of discipline in the home and schools, drugs, alcohol. Why has every supermarket been granted a liquor licence? Why is strong cider cheaper than water? Why do kids take weapons to school? Attacks against the person are rising while burglaries are falling. Why? Because the stuff we carry around with us is worth more on the black market than the stuff in our homes. The police would only be seen as a deterrent if they started taking an interest in ALL offending, from the bottom up: illegal parking, littering, pavement cycling, common assault, disorder and threatening behaviour. Unless and until this happens, this country will continue to decline and the police will be viewed as The Keystone Kops.”
by Walker100
Tuesday, February 26 2013, 7:45AM
“I think this is more of an indication on the people that responded than on Martin Surl. I(f they have not heard of him then they clearly are not taking any interest in important local news. Perhaps it is good that they did not cast a vote if that is the way they lead their lives. Personally I would not want someone who does not take the time to keep up to date on local news issues voting in elections.
As for the cost of his post I think you'll find that what existed previously was a lot more expensive and a lot less responsive to public opinion.”