ON May 5 Wiltshire will go to the polls to vote for who they want to oversee the county’s police force.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are responsible for setting up policy, deciding the police budget and holding the county’s police to account.

The post was brought in by the last Coalition government, but the inaugural elections were tainted with terrible turnout of around 15 per cent nationally.

This year it is hoped with more publicity the community will engage more with the elections.

The Standard spoke to the four candidates vying for the position in this year’s elections to got their views on the priorities for policing in Wiltshire.

LABOUR’S candidate in this May’s elections has a wealth of experience serving the Wiltshire community.

Based in Swindon Kevin Small, 50, worked on the Wiltshire Police Authority for more than two years, been chairman of Wiltshire Ambulance Service for four years and worked as a local councillor for 27 years.

He is determined to increase community engagement with police by developing stronger link with Wiltshire’s Area Boards, Parish Councils and community groups.

“I believe we need to make sure the police in Wiltshire is responsive to needs of its communities and insure the force are reflecting needs and concerns of Wiltshire residents,” he said.

“I want to see greater community engagement and enhance what we’ve seen already with link between public and police force.

“I want to ensure we have the adequate funding to make sure we have an effective force in Wiltshire.

“By enhancing neighbourhood policing we can make people feel more safe in their homes.”

Mr Small believes that as policing affects all ages, youngsters should be engaged was well.

He wants police to do more outreach with children, developing their respect and understanding of the police from a young age.

“We need to ask are we making sure young people have a strong input,” he said.

“Just because you’re not 18 doesn’t mean you’re not affected by the police. It’s about culture and understanding.

“Children need to grow up feeling the police are an important part of their lives.”

Mr Small believes his experience in positions of authority in the community will stand him in good stead for the role.

“As Leader of Swindon Borough Council I worked closely with the Police Authority and senior constabulary’s officers, also whilst as Chair of the Wiltshire Ambulance Service, as we sought closer working between the emergency services and the creation of a joint 999 call centre,” he said.

“I will work with councils and other public bodies to create opportunities to establish better more cost effect way of delivery services.”