Public invited to sit on police and crime panel (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Public invited to sit on police and crime panel

7:30am Friday 31st August 2012 in Local By William Tomaney

A PANEL set up to keep a check and balance on the new police and crime commissioner is looking for two members of the public to serve on it.

The West Mercia Police and Crime Panel wants the two people to serve as independent members on a four-year term.

It is part of the new governance arrangement for policing in the West Mercia area which will see a police and crime commissioner elected on Thursday, November 15.

The panel will keep a regular check on the performance of the police and crime commissioner, whose powers will include setting the police budget and the ability to fire the force’s chief constable.

There will be 17 members of the panel -– 15 councillors representing the region’s 10 local authorities and two independent members.

The commitment required will vary but is expected to average one day a month and members will receive induction and other appropriate training.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, September 11.

For more information, contact Simon Mallinson, head of legal and democratic services at Worcestershire County Council, on 01905 766670 or visit the website at worcestershire.gov.uk/ policeandcrimepanel