Newly elected Beds PCC Festus Akinbusoye shares 'early plans' for running force

The Conservative businessman emerged triumphant in the county-wide PCC election held on Thursday, May 6.

Mr Akinbusoye, 42, previously served as a special constable and a parish councillor, as well as contributing to a training and education programme in prisons.

The new PCC said: “I [will] pride myself on maintaining valuable relationships with councillors on local issues, Members of Parliament on national matters and advising government ministers on issues ranging from drugs policies to better supporting victims of domestic abuse.

"I also place high value on speaking to the community directly and listening to their concerns."

The PCC's team are now working to deliver Mr Akinbusoye's upcoming Police and Crime Plan, which includes the following pledges:

> Investment to bring back "community-based policing" in both urban and rural communities;

> Tackle drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and the causes of these crimes;

> Support law-abiding citizens' rights to a peaceful life in our county and put victims' needs first;

> Lead a multi-agency approach to early intervention and tackling re-offending;

> Lead an open and transparent policing area.

Clare Kelly, the PCC's chief of staff, said: “My office has welcomed Festus on his first day as he takes the oath of a commissioner.

"We have been working on his commitments made during the election and will now begin the process of engaging our partners, Bedfordshire Police and most importantly the people of Bedfordshire on the Police and Crime Plan that will be launched this summer.”

Chief Constable Garry Forsyth said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Festus into the role and I am looking forward to working closely with him over the coming years.

“Bedfordshire is a vibrant county with fantastic communities, but also some really difficult and complex challenges and it is the Commissioner’s role to hold me accountable on how the force tackles such issues to keep our residents safe.”

Mr Akinbusoye added: “As I begin my engagements with both residents and businesses, I will be opening up communication for full conversations across different platforms.

"Meeting you where I can, live streaming key events and sharing information on our new website

"I look forward to taking up this challenge to be your Commissioner, getting things done."