Ex-Serviceman from Peterborough endorsed as crime deputy

A former Serviceman from Peterborough has been endorsed as the new Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire.
Ray BisbyRay Bisby
Ray Bisby

Ray Bisby, who is also a Conservative Peterborough city councillor representing Stanground South, is set to replace Andy Coles in the role after his imminent appointment was approved by the county’s Police and Crime Panel yesterday (Tuesday, December 19).

Mr Bisby started his career in the military before joining the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), serving 19 years in Northern Ireland.

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His work involved a local policing role and working with other partners, stakeholders and blue light services.

Following his retirement from the RUC he undertook a range of voluntary work with the prison service, local communities, schools and associations.

In 2015 he became a councillor for Peterborough City Council, representing Stanground South. In addition, he sits on council scrutiny committees and is chair of the Corporate Parenting Committee.

Edward Leigh, chair and independent co-opted member of the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Panel, said: “Given Cllr Bisby’s experience, the panel felt he could act as complementary support to the commissioner.

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“His experience in the police service will enable him to sense check the reality of policing matters from a distance, enabling him to inform a more strategic approach. We are confident that he will maintain operational independence between the role of commissioner and the constabulary.

“It was also felt that his experience as a councillor, and working with partners and stakeholders to understand issues, look for solutions and bring about change, will be beneficial in supporting, empowering and scrutinising others in the delivering of the Commissioner’s Plan.”

Jason Ablewhite, police and crime commissioner, said: “I am pleased that the Police and Crime Panel have formally endorsed my proposal. Ray’s experience and personal qualities made him the stand out candidate for the role.

“I look forward to Ray joining me at a time of significant change within the police and across public services as a whole.”

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Mr Ablewhite will now formally respond to the panel’s recommendation, with a view to Cllr Bisby starting his new role in early January 2018.

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