Now 'not the time' to change the way county police are led
In Buxton Advertiser
Derbyshire Police Authority is asking members of the public for their views about directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners - including whether or not they would bother to vote at all The proposal, one of the most controversial in the Government's plans for policing, would see the current structure of police governance and accountability abolished, to be replaced with one person, supported by a team of people and another panel.
The Police Authority wants people's views to help it prepare its final response to the Home Office. The questions can be found on the Authority's website http://www.derbyshire.police.uk/policeauthority/225.html
Chairman of the Authority, Cllr Philip Hickson said: "We are urging people to tell us whether they would vote or not. The turnout for local elections is notoriously low, so how many people would actually vote for a Police and Crime Commissioner? We do not believe that there is enough interest to warrant the expense and upheaval it will inevitably cause."
The Authority has already voiced its concerns over the proposals in a letter to the Home Office and the Association of Police Authorities.
Cllr Hickson added: "One has to question whether or not there is an appetite or a need for change. Over the last seven years crime in Derbyshire has fallen by 35,000 incidents - that's 35,000 fewer victims. Vehicle crime has fallen by 60% and burglary has reduced by 55%. This proves that the current model is both effective and good value for money, so we question whether now, when funding is the tightest it has ever been and the Olympics is on the horizon, is the time to look for alternatives."