THE man hoping to become Thames Valley Police's new top cop will be grilled on his priorities before his appointment is confirmed.

John Campbell has been put forward as the 'preferred choice' for Chief Constable, replacing Francis Habgood who retires in March.

On Friday he will face the Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel who have the chance to vote on whether Mr Campbell should be given the job.

Tom Hayes, who sits on the panel on behalf of Oxford City Council, has crowd-sourced a list of questions from Oxford residents.

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Suggestions include the force's strategy on hate crime, how it plans to deal with low morale among officers and whether money being spent on Brexit would be better spent on policing.

Other issues people wish to cover include safe spaces for drug addicts, collaboration with other forces and training to help deal with rape victims.

The questions

  • What is their strategy on reducing hate crime?
  • What can the Chief Constable do to retain officers and spur the drive within them?
  • Does he believe the money being spent on Brexit could be better spent on policing and resources?
  • Would they refuse to provide funding or manpower to a crackdown on immigration?
  • What is his position on neighbourhood policing?
  • What resources and training are needed to deal with rape victims and those suffering domestic violence?
  • How does he intend to collaborate with other forces?
  • How are they going to use limited resources?
  • When are they going to offer addicts a safe space to use?

Mr Hayes said: "Nobody knows their community better than our citizens, so I’m delighted that so many people have responded to my appeal for questions to directly put to the candidate, and that the questions covered so many important issues.

"I have a vote to cast on behalf of Oxford at the confirmation hearing and, before I make up my mind, I want to listen to more of the public.

"The Thames Valley needs a police boss who will reduce rising crime, get to grip with drugs, and reverse falling officer numbers now."