The Peter McCormack Show #120 - Lisa Townsend - Common-sense Policing: Drugs, Gangs and Hurty Words
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Oct 16, 2025 Lisa Townsend, the elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and Conservative Party representative, dives into pressing issues in law enforcement. She challenges the failure of drug prohibition, discussing how it fuels violent gangs and supports organized crime. The rise of middle-class shoplifting is dissected, revealing societal complicity in crime. Townsend also advocates for a paradigm shift in policing, emphasizing victim support and the need for sensible budgeting. Lastly, she critiques the current mental health crisis and stresses the importance of police discretion amid bureaucratic challenges.
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Prohibition Is Failing
- Lisa Townsend argues prohibition as designed doesn't work and creates violent black markets.
- She calls for pragmatic rethinking rather than ideological answers to drug policy.
Coordinate With Local Business Security
- Work with Business Improvement Districts to fund private security that complements police effort.
- Facilitate clear roles so security, PCSOs and police coordinate without overstepping.
PCCs Hold Power Without Operational Control
- PCCs set the police and crime plan and own the budget while chief constables retain operational independence.
- That split makes PCCs political targets who should absorb public and political criticism instead of chiefs.
