Interview (Part 1): Helen Korfanty - Lib Dem candidate for Suffolk PCC election
An interview with Helen Korfanty -- Part 1. For more information, see Helen's website at http://www.korfanty.org.uk.
What makes you the best candidate for the post of Suffolk's Police & Crime Commissioner?
After 33 years of front-line working in the criminal justice system, I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by the police and by all the professionals involved. This means that I can identify where many of the problems lie - and, more importantly, I can identify potential solutions based on experience and understanding, and not just on theory, philosophy or wishful thinking.
My background, dealing with both the police and the public, has given me a good awareness of the priorities on both sides of the fence, and an ability to work productively and effectively with all parties.
What do you do for a living now?
I have worked as a solicitor in Suffolk since I first moved here in 1982, becoming a partner (and eventually a senior partner) in a local firm. Having retired from that permanent position in 2009, I am now a consultant solicitor at two different practices (in Thetford and Newmarket).
I am a first tier advocate, which means that I attend the magistrates' and family courts. In fact, I am a trained family law mediator, and a member of Resolution (a Family Law Association). I have been a duty solicitor for the Police Station (now the Police Investigation Centres, or PICs) and Magistrates' Court from the introduction of the scheme, and I still attend PICs in the middle of the night when required!
Early in my career, when the CPS was first set up, I sometimes acted as agent prosecutor when there were insufficient prosecution lawyers to cover all the courts. Since then, my areas of specialism have been Criminal Law and Family Law, but I am also competent to advise on Licensing Law and on aspects of Environmental Law.
How well do you understand what Suffolk people want from their police force?
Very well, I think. After all, I have lived in Suffolk for a very long time, and my work has always involved interaction with both the public and the police.
You are standing as a Liberal Democrat candidate for the PCC election. What is your history in the party?
Having supported liberal principles and policies all my life, I finally joined the Liberal Democrats in May 2014, and I am a member of the West Suffolk local party. I've never stood for any office before, but I have helped with campaigning (in which I really enjoy meeting members of the public).