Dan Hardy, former police officer and managing director of a security company, has been announced as the independent candidate in the upcoming Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections.

Dan Hardy said: "I'm delighted to be standing as independent candidate in the May 2021 PCC elections.

"The strong foundations and relationships I built with the public and key stakeholders in 2019 and 2020 has led to their continuous support, and this has given me the determination to stand as a candidate in 2021.

"Every vote I receive is a vote for experience, not politics - and this message is key to my campaign this year."

Dan has a career of service in the HM forces as a soldier, as well as a Metropolitan police officer for 13 years. He has also worked as managing director of the National Business Crime Solution (NBCS), a not for profit organisation which enables data sharing between police, crime reduction agencies and businesses to reduce crime and risk.

He has also been head of risk at G4S, a security company, and crime and security lead at Sainsbury's. He is now managing director of Amberstone, a security company which works with various major UK businesses.

Dan added: "I have developed a well-structured, carefully costed plan which matters to Dorset, rather than focusing on high-level political pledges spoken about across the whole country.

"If elected, I will use my substantial experience in the policing and public sector landscape, as well as my expertise in business and finance, to create safer communities throughout Dorset. My plan includes implementing more visible policing, as well as stronger policies for reducing reoffending and enhancing support for victims."

According to his manifesto, Dan wants to:

• Pledge to increase police numbers above government uplift levels, improve public visibility patrolling, and promoting better 'police partner' relations to bring business sectors, private security, local authorities and policing together
• Commit to delivering an effective policing plan supported by a sustainable budget, allowing Dorset Police to work efficiently and free from political influence
• Promote collaboration for the benefit of Dorset residents, aiming to reduce crime and the fear of crime
• Provide victims with a strong support system and diverting offenders from criminal cycles, with a focus on penetrative activity and education

The conservative candidate for the PCC elections is David Sidwick, the Labour candidate is Patrick Canavan, the Liberal Democrats candidate is Mark Robson and the Green Party candidate is Claire Seymour.

Elections will be held on Thursday, May 6.

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