Home Secretary Theresa May, set out today in a Commons Statements (http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/04.htm), the Government's plans for Elected Police Commissioners.
I believe that this proposal will transform local policing in Essex as local people will be able to decide the kind of policing they want for their neighbourhood. Elected Commissioners will be able to hire and fire their Chief Constable. Local crime data will be published and beat police meetings mandated, allowing people to challenge their own local police neighbourhood teams.
I am pleased to say that the Essex Chief Constable - whilst working closely with the Essex Police Authority - has given cautious recognition that elected Commissioners may have some advantages.
During the debate, I asked the following question and received this reply:
Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con):
Is the Home Secretary aware that the chief constable of Essex has said in a written statement that the opportunities presented by elected police commissioners include the potential for less cost, less bureaucracy and greater public clarity? Will she agree to meet the chief constable with me, and to support local people who believe in local democracy for local policing?
Mrs May :
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for reporting to the House the comments of the chief constable of Essex, whom I would be delighted to meet. We have been meeting chief constables across England and Wales to discuss the proposals, but I would be happy to hear what he has been able to do to fight crime and reduce bureaucracy in Essex.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
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