Wiltshire’s Police Federation is astonished that none of the candidates have “bothered to contact them” for the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner election re-run.

Mark Andrew, chairman of the organisation representing more than 1,000 police officers across Wiltshire has gone public with frustrations over the apparent snub from candidates of all parties.

Now, he has invited the would-be PCCs to pick up the phone and call him to find out what issues matter for police on the frontlines of Swindon and Wiltshire.

Mr Andrews said: “Most people who go for an interview at least get to know the company they want to work for and frankly, not doing so demonstrates what could be deemed as disregard for the role or over confidence.

“As PCC you will no doubt make promises to the electorate, at the very least you should have an understanding about the plausibility of these promises by knowing what you have to work with and how long change takes.”

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The federation has put out a mini-manifesto of policing priorities for whoever is elected after votes are cast on August 19.

These issues include investing in the wellbeing and welfare of officers and staff, the police HQs, lobbying the government for more cash and looking into the time taken to deal with allegations of misconduct by police officers and complaints from the public.

“This is an open invitation to all candidates. Give us a call – we are here to help you,” he added.

“If you are serious about making a difference for the communities you seek to represent then you need to understand the problems we face so you can design your policing plan with all available information.”