Essex Lib Dem Police Commissioner candidate Kevin McNamara will challenge police failings
An experienced, local campaigner is the Liberal Democrat candidate for Essex Police & Crime Commissioner. Kevin McNamara, from Grays , says he plans to tackle the many areas where the Conservatives have let residents down over policing.
The Liberal Democrats have pointed out that Essex police has less to spend per resident than any other force in the country and was recently criticised by HM Inspector of Constabulary for failing to adequately protect children at risk of harm.
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Said Kevin McNamara, "For decades local Conservatives have not funded Essex Police properly. This has led to not enough attention to violent crime, domestic abuse, child abuse and cyber crime.
"It is truly shocking that every single day Essex Police has around 85 incidents of domestic abuse. Too many victims of crime are going unsupported and yet they are cutting the number of police officers and police stations.
Mr McNamara is backing calls from Lib Dem MP and former Health Minister Norman Lamb for a more sensible drugs policy in Britain. Mr Lamb has tabled a Bill in Parliament for a regulated cannabis market. [Note 2]
Said Kevin McNamara, "Britain’s drugs policy is not working. There were 1401 arrests in Essex for cannabis possession Apr15-Jan16. They could be tackling gangs, violence and other far more harmful crimes."
"I want Essex Police to Listen more to victims of crime; Act on issues that have been ignored far too long, and Work with partners to prevent and reduce crime."
Stephen Robinson, Chair of Essex Liberal Democrats, said, "I am delighted that Kevin McNamara has been selected as our candidate. His energy, enthusiasm and determination to shake things up is just what we need, instead of Conservative complacency over policing in Essex."
Kevin McNamara has worked with small businesses in various capacities since graduating from the University of Kent, including working with loan recipients of the Government-backed Start Up Loans Company, providing application advice and customer service.
Kevin stood for election to Thurrock Borough Council in 2012. His interest in policing arose from studying policing during his time at university, including modern threats, hidden harms and the challenges posed by recent reforms to police governance.
