Statement from PCC Alison Hernandez – CPS decision following police investigation into spending at 2015 general election
I am delighted that the Crown Prosecution Service has decided to take no further action against me following the police investigation into spending at the 2015 general election
It is now two years on from these events and I am pleased that the shadow of the investigation has now been removed.
My political opponents have regularly called for me to stand down over the past year but I have been determined not to let the investigation affect the way that I carry out my duties as police and crime commissioner.
Over the past year I have set in train actions to create 100 additional police officers, a large increase in criminal investigation capacity, more armed response officers and a new remote record taking team to free up front line officers. At the same time, I have stopped closures of police stations and started to reconnect the public with the police.
Being under police investigation is a very sobering experience. This investigation has been independent at every stage – the police work was undertaken by West Mercia Police with no involvement from Devon and Cornwall. The report was initially reviewed by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and then by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). I would like to thank all of the agencies involved in this matter for their professionalism.
I would also like to thank my friends and family who have been a constant support over the past year and to my team in the OPCC who have supported me in being the police and crime commissioner over the last twelve months.
Alison Hernandez