One of the greatest responsibilities of policing is not simply responding to crime, but helping to prevent it in the first place.
Norfolk is already one of the safest counties in England, and I want to keep it that way. The best way to do that is by recognising that violence has causes. By understanding those causes and intervening early, we can prevent more people becoming victims and reduce the demand on our police, courts and health services.
As Police and Crime Commissioner, I would establish a Norfolk Violence Reduction Unit, bringing together the police, schools, local councils, the NHS, youth services, charities and community organisations. Rather than each organisation tackling problems in isolation, they would work together to identify people at risk, support families and intervene before lives are damaged by violence.
I also believe it’s time for an honest conversation about drug policy. Decades of relying almost exclusively on criminal justice have not eliminated drug misuse, organised crime or drug-related deaths. Instead, too many vulnerable people become trapped in addiction while criminal gangs continue to profit.
I support moving towards an evidence-led public health approach, learning from countries such as Portugal, where treating drug dependency as a health issue has helped reduce addiction, HIV infections, drug-related deaths and reoffending. I also believe we should be willing to explore innovations such as professionally supervised drug consumption facilities where the evidence shows they can save lives, reduce public drug use and connect people with treatment and recovery services.
This is not about being soft on crime. Dealers who exploit vulnerable people should continue to face the full force of the law. But those struggling with addiction need pathways into recovery rather than a revolving door through the criminal justice system.
If we focus on reducing harm as well as enforcing the law, Norfolk can become an even safer, healthier county where fewer people become victims and more people are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.