The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate has released his manifesto.

Standing as the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) since November 2012, candidate David Lloyd says he wishes to recruit even more officers, keep tax low, protect local policing and increase efficiency.

Following the pandemic, he says he would ask the force's chief constable to conduct a comprehensive review of the lessons learned during Covid – particularly aspects such as remote and digital working and other positives seen in the pandemic.

To boost crime prevention, Mr Lloyd pledges he would continue to expand “the largest police force Hertfordshire has ever seen” and using extra resources to invest in a new focus of cutting crime off at the roots with a ‘Prevention First’ strategy.

Effective crime prevention includes early interventions, deterrence measures, target hardening and rehabilitation – and the Police and Crime Plan would be based on evidence-based policing principles.

He also would ask the chief constable to trial the Hotspot Policing Model in Hertfordshire, meaning an increase of targeted and high visibility patrolling.

Mr Lloyd explains in his manifesto that while he is in support of close collaboration with neighbouring police forces and , he is not in support of merging the constabulary with other police forces.

But Hertfordshire Community Safety Hub, a joint headquarters for both police and fire services, would be built at a redeveloped police headquarters at Stanborough.

The Joint Emergency Services Academy at Longfield will also be redeveloped to create a main training base for the fire and rescue and constabulary.

Mr Lloyd says he would invest further to expand the range, quality and remit of the Beacon – the service to support victims of crime, funded form victim surcharge that offenders pay in court.

It is suggested that in the future, Beacon would not just provide emotional support, but also practical help and advocacy.

To enforce more transparency, equality and fairness, Mr Lloyd says he would place a formal system to allow regular feedback and challenge to the constabulary.

He added he does not believe the constabulary behaves in a systematically discriminatory or racist manner, but it is “clear” that a significant proportion of black or minority ethnic communities believe they are not treated fairly – which is a problem the force has to address.

He said he would work with Hertfordshire’s Independent Stop and Search Scrutiny panel and fund a “significant research project” to see if the tactic is disproportionate in Hertfordshire.

Body Worn Video has been praised by the PCC, and he says he would expand its use in all circumstances with the public – unless there are exceptional reasons.

Police estate would also become more energy efficient through a major programme of investment, pledged the PCC.

He suggested the constabulary should be an early adopter of non-fossil fuel vehicles.

For a full look at the manifesto, visit here.