Nottinghamshire's new Police and Crime Commissioner begins term of office

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden signing the oath of office

New Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden pledged to deliver a safer Nottinghamshire for all as he was officially sworn in today.

He also vowed to carry out his role with integrity an impartiality in a short speech, after declaring and signing the official oath at a ceremony at Nottingham Castle.

Commissioner Godden (Labour and Co-Op) was declared the winner in the election to become Nottinghamshire’s new Police and Crime Commissioner on Friday May 3 following local elections which took place on May 2.

Speaking at the event after signing the official declaration, Commissioner Godden said: “One of the reasons I asked you to come to today is that I feel Nottingham Castle is a representation of the whole of Nottinghamshire.

“From Robin Hood at the front of the castle, to the history of the castle which sits upon Castle Rock and offers views across the Shires, and I thank you for being here today.

“The people of Nottinghamshire elected me to be responsible for Policing and for this I thank you.”

“I do this with honour and pride and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable and Chief Officer Team as well as building new partnerships locally, regionally and nationally.

“To all those that voted for me and all those that didn’t I will serve with integrity and impartiality to deliver a safer Nottinghamshire for all.”

The Commissioner thanked his wife, daughter, mother and father for their unwavering support during the campaign. He also thanked Returning Officer Catherine Marriott for her guidance and professionalism in conducting the Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to represent the public in ensuring their policing service is the best it can be.

This includes holding the Chief Constable to account for the force’s performance, overseeing police spending and setting policing priorities for their term in office, after consulting with the public to create a Police and Crime Plan.

They take an oath to serve the public without fear or favour, with integrity and diligence and to be transparent and accountable to the public. However, they cannot interfere with the operational independence of police officers.

The declaration reads:

‘In making this declaration, I solemnly and sincerely promise that during my term of office:

I will serve all the people of Nottinghamshire in the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

I will act with integrity and diligence in my role and, to the best of my ability, will execute the duties of my office to ensure that the police are able to cut crime and protect the public.

I will give a voice to the public, especially victims of crime, and work with other services to ensure the safety of the community and effective criminal justice.

I will take all steps within my power to ensure transparency of my decisions, so that I may be properly held to account by the public.

I will not interfere with the operational independence of police officers.

•  To watch the swearing in ceremony, click here.