update from PCC candidate

Crime & Policing I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE STOPPED AND SEARCHED

says Conservative PCC candidate

Contribution thanks to Festus Akinbusoye www.fest4bedspcc.co.uk enquiries@fest4bedspcc.co.uk

Festus Akinbusoye, who hopes to become Bedfordshire’s next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in May 2021, says the Police need more community dialogue to tackle the growing Stop and Search worries in parts of the county.

His comments come as three local Labour MPs have written to the current PCC, concerned that Home Office figures show black people are three times more likely to be stopped and searched compared to white people in the county.

“I’m probably one of the few who can talk about this sensitive issue from

both sides.” said the Conservative PCC candidate.

“I’ve been stopped and searched as a teenager and as an adult and I’ve also recently carried out Stop and Search

when I was working as a Special Constable with Bedfordshire Police.” added Mr. Akinbusoye.

“I fully support the need for officers to have this power, but there is concern about how it is deployed given the very low findings rate.”

“Public trust and confidence in the Police are paramount. I believe that as the next elected Police and Crime Commissioner, my background and personal experience can help bring all sides together to positively address this situation in Bedfordshire.”

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