South Yorkshire Conservatives select retired police chief as crime commissioner candidate

David Chinchen served for more than thirty years as a police officer and also worked as an immigration officer before re-training as a picture framer.

After retiring from the police he moved to Sheffield six years ago where he now runs a small picture-framing business from his home with his wife.

David, who is campaigning to win a seat that has been held by Labour since the introduction of PCCs in 2012, said he was ‘delighted and honoured’ to have been given the opportunity.

He said: “This for me is about giving something back and making a difference.

“I have spoken to people across South Yorkshire and it is clear we must restore confidence in policing and criminal justice.

“This government is investing in policing and, with my experience, I will make sure local policing teams return to our cities, towns and villages.”

David also said he would make the protection of small businesses a new priority for the police.

He said: “Our high streets and sole traders are suffering. These people work hard, create jobs and contribute to our communities. We must do more to catch criminals who target vans, tools and business premises.

"The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and the Conservative Government have shown their commitment to the police with plans to recruit 20,000 extra police officers, including 151 for South Yorkshire in the first tranche.

“This Government has also shown it will give police officers the power, kit and backing they need to keep people in South Yorkshire safe and allow them to live their lives free of crime and the fear of crime.

“I have the experience, drive and commitment to make this a reality.”

The next election for South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner will take place on Thursday, May 7.

As yet, no other political parties have chosen their candidates for the role whose job it is to give people the people of South Yorkshire a say in how they are policed.