First day for Cambridgeshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner

CAMBRIDGESHIRE’s new Police & Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite, spent the morning of his first day in office patrolling the streets of Cambridge. Following a tour of Parkside Police Station, Jason went on patrol with PC Ben Shayle and PCSO Tony Marriott, getting a taste of front line policing and meeting the public.

Following this he travelled to police headquarters in Huntingdon for his first official meeting as Police and Crime Commissioner with Chief Constable, Alec Wood, and other members of the Constabulary’s senior management team.

Jason was elected Cambridgeshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner last week and today (12^th May) is his first official day in post. He takes over from previous Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright who decided not to stand for re-election.

Jason said: “I want my role to be as visible as possible and make sure the needs and concerns of the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are listened to. This is why I wanted to spend part of my first official day in office meeting the public and understanding the reality of local policing. It was a fascinating morning where I saw the highs and the lows of life in Cambridge – from the homeless living in disused garages to the beauty of the city centre on a sunny day.”

Jason is committed to protecting frontline policing services and putting victims of crime first.

Jason continues: “My predecessor worked hard to protect frontline policing and this is something I intend to continue. I am a strong believer in innovation and a key priority for me will be to ensure we make the best use of technology to support officers in doing their job effectively. I will be working closely with the Chief Constable to deliver new technologies putting police on the ground where they are needed, and not behind a desk for hours on end.”

Jason also pledges to reduce violent, drink and drug related crimes, and focus on domestic violence.

“For many years there has been an acknowledgement that domestic abuse has been under-reported to the police. For those suffering abuse, it is imperative that there is structured support available to help them cope and recover and to continue to protect them from further incidents and threats.”

“My predecessor, Sir Graham Bright, has left a strong foundation and positive legacy for me build on and I thank him for his excellent work over the last three and half years.”

With a career background in sales and senior management in the food sector, Jason retired last year to concentrate on local politics. He has a strong sense of public service, having served as a District Councillor in St Ives for 16 years, with the last five as Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council. Jason also chaired the East of England Local Government Association and Executive Board member of the National Local Government Association, providing him with considerable experience at local, regional and national levels. Jason lives in St Ives with his wife Annette and two sons.

The Chief Constable, Alec Wood, welcomed Jason and spoke about the importance of the role of Police and Crime Commissioner in ensuring the voice of the public is heard.

Chief Constable Alec Wood said: “I would like to welcome Jason Ablewhite to the role of Police and Crime Commissioner and look forward to working with him to help keep the people of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough safe.

“The role of PCC is hugely important in helping to link the public with the police and holding the force to account for the service it provides.

On outgoing Commissioner Sir Graham Bright Alec said: “I would like to wish Sir Graham the very best for the future and thank him for his period in office. During this time he has overseen a period of unprecedented cuts in policing budgets whilst protecting frontline officers and significantly improving the services to victims of crime.”