Matthew Scott: Ignore the outdated, inaccurate criticisms – we Police and Crime Commissioners are making a positive difference

It’s easy to gripe, but the role, done well, can be powerful, transformative and create greater transparency.

CCHQ encourages applicants to be Police and Crime Commissioner candidates

The deadline is August 6th. While the role has yet to capture the public’s imagination, it has genuine power.

Judy Terry: Boosting volunteer police cadets is helping to fight crime in Suffolk

It also allows teenagers to develop a sense of adventure and independence – making them more employable and better citizens.

Rory Geoghegan: Short-term prison sentences do nothing for prolific offenders. We must get serious about tackling the causes of crime.

Our latest Centre for Social Justice report – Desperate for a Fix – focuses on prolific drug-addicted people and proposes a new Second Chance Programme.

An open letter to Sajid Javid

Here are five priorities. Sort out the extremism mess. Get an immigration policy move-on. Beef up your Windrush review. Don’t mess with ID cards. Or identity politics. Oh, and P.S…

Neil O’Brien: We Conservatives need to refresh ourselves to stop Corbyn. That’s why Onward is being launched.

Even in lefty France, socialist policies are now being dumped by Emmanuel Macron in favour of free markets. Now is the time to develop our next round of big ideas.

Judy Terry: In Suffolk, public services are working together to defeat gang violence

Security has tightened at nightclubs, and volunteers work with the Police to protect the most vulnerable youngsters as well as the homeless.

Whatever happened to the Big Society? 1) Steve Moore: It could have worked had spending been cut Canada-Style

We must keep asking: ‘what’s the right level to pursue social repair?’ The nation is too large; the individual is too small. The community remains the right place.

Rory Geoghegan: A plan to free vulnerable women from a life of crime

Many women’s lives could be transformed by the right approach – this issue must not be neglected or forgotten amid bigger and more newsworthy events.

Chloe Schendel-Wilson: Cannabis prohibition has failed on all fronts – the UK should follow Canada’s pragmatic example instead

Conservative values are not well-served by leaving a market to criminals. Changing technology and drug strength mean this approach is becoming ever more harmful.

Houchen challenges Cleveland Police chiefs for “failing in their duty”

The appointment of a new chief constable who was criticised over his investigation into Edward Heath is seen as the latest saga to afflict a “broken force”.

Next year, council tax increases of up to six per cent will be allowed without a referendum

This weakening of local accountability makes it all the more important for Conservatives to offer voters a clear alternative.

Matthew Scott: What we Police Commissioners hope for in the Budget. And what we should continue to give in return.

Calling for more money and doing nothing different, as others in the public sector often do, is not an option. We as PCCs will continue our reforming approach.

Matthew Scott: Body-worn cameras are proving to be a useful policing tool

We should also be aware of any risks to privacy or individual freedom, but in Kent the technology is working well.

Peter Walker: Ill-judged PR stunts undermine public respect for the police

At a time of budget cuts, mounting pressure, and waning deference to authority, officers deserve better than headlines like these.