Hertfordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd has promised to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system if he is re-elected.

Mr Lloyd was elected to the newly created post in November 2012 and will be standing in elections scheduled for May 5.

Just 14.6 per cent of Hertfordshire residents voted in the 2012 PCC elections, with Conservative Mr Lloyd emerging as the winner.

The region’s PCC controls a multi million pound budget, with the power to set the local police and crime plan and appoint and dismiss the force's chief constable.

Following the recent transfer of fire services to the Home Office, commissioners will also have the chance to oversee local fire authorities.

Mr Lloyd told the Observer he is proud of his achievements so far but added: “There is still work to be done.”

He said: “I am proud that Hertfordshire remains one of the safest places in the country, with low crime and a top performing police force.

“Secondly I am proud of protecting neighbourhood policing at a time when it is being cut all over the country in the face of the financial pressures.

“Thirdly I am proud of what has been achieved in terms of improving the situation of victims of crime.

"I have ensured a particular focus on those who have suffered domestic abuse but the creation of the Beacon Victim Care centre is transforming the availability of support to victims of all types of crimes.”

However, Mr Lloyd said people are still let down by experiences in courts, and that would be a focus of a second term.

He also said more needs to be done to safeguard vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

As no candidate received more than 50 per cent of the first preference votes, Mr Lloyd and Labour’s Sherma Batson progressed to the second round.

Liberal Democrat’s Christopher Townsend came in third with UKIP’s Marion Mason in fourth.

Defending the decision to close police stations in St Albans and Rickmansworth, Mr Lloyd said: “It must make sense for the public sector to work more closely together and combine resources to give a better and more coherent service to the public.

“Many of the problems we face can only be solved by a joint approach and sharing facilities has to be part of that.”

Responding to the government inspectors saying the force had to improve protecting vulnerable children, Mr Lloyd said: “Protecting the vulnerable is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan so I will be holding the chief constable to account on this and making sure that the improvements are fully delivered.”

With another term, Mr Lloyd said the priority would be to make sure that Hertfordshire remains a safe county with a top performing police force.

“I will also pick out preserving neighbourhood policing in Hertfordshire because I think that will be an achievement”, added Mr Lloyd.

Before being elected as PCC, Mr Lloyd was chairman of the Hertfordshire Police Authority.

To see the other candidates up for election, click here.