Letter: Against a Police and Crime Commissioner vote
Don't Spoil It – Send It!
Like some others who have recently written to Star Letters, I also object to the incoming new system of police commissioners instead of the existing system of police authorities.
However, instead of spoiling the ballet paper or not bothering, I suggest people send it to the PM (whose baby it is) with a note objecting to the change.
My main reasons are:
1. Cost – £75 million for the elections and many millions to run the system. This is unnecessary when we are supposed to be saving money.
2. The system does not need changing – but could be 'tweaked' at little or no cost.
3. Having party candidates will inevitably further politicise the police.
4. There is no requirement for police commissioners to be experienced in policing – or in fact in anything.
5. There is no requirement for police commissioners to be expert or even good at choosing a new Chief Constable.
6. One man will be more easy to pressurise or corrupt than a whole committee.
7. It is an American system which may be OK over there but has no place over here.
Richard Camp
Wellington
Telford
