Iraq war veteran Colonel Tim Collins plans to stand as PCC
A decorated army colonel is to put his name forward in a bid to become the first elected police and crime commissioner (PCC) in Kent.
A decorated army colonel is to put his name forward in a bid to become the first elected police and crime commissioner (PCC) in Kent.
Speaking at the weekend, Colonel Tim Collins said he was inspired by the achievements of Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York, who reduced crime in the city through tough policing.
Home Secretary Theresa May welcomed Colonel Collins decision to stand saying I wouldn`t want to be a criminal if he gets elected.
In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, the 52-year-old said the job of a PCC is for someone energetic and who is willing to work with the chief constable and it is important that the role does not become just a talking shop for knackered old policemen or a sunset gig for some trough-loving councillor.
He added that many of the failings in Kent are down to weak commanders and as a PCC he would seek to bring his military and commercial experience to weed out the weak to make the most of tight budgets.
In general, the force is match fit, but there are a lot of things that can be done better. I, like many, get frustrated by the few struggling local commanders who would rather make offences go away than investigate them. That is the fault of misplaced enthusiasm for crime figures and people who are determined to be promoted at all costs and dont want to investigate crimes so that they can keep a clean sheet, he said.
Colonel Collins also praised the roles of special constables and described them as a terrific asset to the country and hopes their use can be expanded.
The former army veteran is famed for a speech he made to army troops in March 2003 in the invasion of Iraq. He has also fought in wars in Bosnia and Kosovo before retiring from the service in 2004 after becoming disillusioned.