Former teacher bids for top Norfolk police role

Retired headmaster, John Crofts, is the Liberal Democrat candidate for May's election to select Norfolk's next Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Crofts, who lives at Ringstead, enjoyed a good relationship with his local force during his time working in Hunstanton. Now, as a governor of schools in West Norfolk and in Norwich, he sees the importance of the educational role of the police in working with young people and their communities.

"In a world where many crimes are on the rise and police forces are under pressure due to reduced funding we need to increase the visibility of police in our communities to both combat crime but, as importantly, to boost the confidence of our communities. Only through understanding the needs of every person and supporting them can we hope to work together.’

Mr Crofts is particularly keen to support the many people who are victims of crime but don’t feel they are being listened to when it comes to the criminal justice system.

He said:"Part of this is ‘restorative justice’, which brings those damaged by crime and those responsible for the damage into communication and this needs to be extended.

"Empowering the victim and enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward must be a sensible element in moving forward."

Mr Croft's fellow candidates are the Conservative's contender, former army officer, Giles Orpen-Smellie, and Labour's Michael Rosen, former children's services head in Norfolk.