South Yorkshire's PCC: the force in a 'much stronger place' than it was in 2014
We've been speaking to Dr Alan Billings after he announced his intention to stand down recently
South Yorkshire's Police & Crime Commissioner tells us he's 'confident' the force is in a 'much stronger' place - than when he was first elected as the region's PCC.
Dr Alan Billings recently confirmed he'll be standing down from the position - after a decade - when his term ends next May.
He's been telling us about some of the challenges he's come up against in the role:
"I've seen seven Home Secretary's, which is indicative of instability at the top of government.
"That's not helpful to me as a Police & Crime Commissioner, as you need to build those relationships with government and the Home Secretary in particular.
"There is the strong possibility that the Police & Crime Commissioner function will transfer to the elected mayor, instead of being a separate position.
"I think this will happen, but it depends on the government laying some orders before parliament this side of Christmas.
"The force is now amongst the top performing forces in the country.
"That's really something to look back on with pride - when you consider it was in special measures early on in my tenure - and it's probably a good note on which to go.
"I think we've recently had a really good round of recruitment, and we've got some really first-class people in employment now within the force.
"So, the people of South Yorkshire should know they're being served very well now by their police force."
Dr Alan Billings was first elected as the region's Police & Crime Commissioner in 2014.