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Park runs should remain free!

Not really to do with policing, crime or justice, but still an important issue:

My reaction to the decision of some local councils to charge runners in parks…

Martin is a keen runner, pictured on the right after completing the Norwich half marathon
Martin is a keen runner, pictured on the right after completing the Norwich half marathon in November 2015

“I was appalled at the suggestion that local authorities might charge runners for using paths in parks for their runs. This activity is good for public health and should be encouraged by councils, rather than hindered, even though local authorities are struggling financially, given the scale of the spending cuts implemented by the national government. Continue reading Park runs should remain free!

Tackle Drug Gangs not Drug Users says Green Party PCC candidate

Martin out doorknocking on Nelson Street in Norwich where residents used to complain about drug dealing
Martin out doorknocking on Nelson Street and Dereham Road in Norwich where residents used to complain about drug dealing.

Green Party PCC candidate has indicated that he will prioritise dealing with large criminal gangs that supply drugs rather than focusing on low level users of class-C drugs if he wins the Police and Crime Commissioner election on May 5th.

His statement follows a recent survey, which showed that there was considerable support for legalising the sale of cannabis through licensed shops. In the poll of 2,000 adults, conducted by ORB for The Independent, some 47% of people backed the idea, while 39% opposed it, with the other 14% saying they “don’t knows”. Continue reading Tackle Drug Gangs not Drug Users says Green Party PCC candidate

How much could be raised by introducing a Late Night Levy?

PCC candidate Martin Schmierer discussing the Late Night Levy with local residents and councillors on Prince of Wales Road, Norwich

One of Martin’s key policies, if elected, would be to introduce a “late night levy”, which allows local areas to charge businesses that supply alcohol late into the night for the extra enforcement costs that the night-time economy generates for police and licensing authorities.

At the moment, we only have estimates about how much this could raise in Norfolk, but it seems clear that £100,000s could be generated by implementing this measure, given what has happened in other areas where such a levy has been introduced. Continue reading How much could be raised by introducing a Late Night Levy?

Greens call for Late Night Levy introduction

Speaking with residents and the local councillor about introducing a late night levy in Norwich

The Green Party’s Police and Crime Commissioner candidate, Martin Schmierer, has called on local councils to introduce a “Late Night Levy” across Norfolk.

It has been estimated that £100,000s could be raised in this way, which would be split between the Norfolk Constabulary and the local councils. Continue reading Greens call for Late Night Levy introduction

Tackling stress among police officers

I was deeply concerned by the BBC’s recent finding that cases of UK police officers and staff taking long-term sick leave for psychological reasons had risen by 35% over the last five years.

Despite the fact that police numbers have fallen, the number of days taken off has risen drastically. Currently there are 6,129 incidences of officers being put on sick leave for psychological reasons whereas 5 years ago the figure was just over 4,500. There was also reportedly a steady increase in overall long-term sick leave.  Continue reading Tackling stress among police officers