Public urged to have their views on police plan

People are being urged to send in their views on Government plans to reform policing.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, if passed into law, would scrap police authorities from 2012 and replace them with elected Police and Crime Commissioners, who would hold the police to account on behalf of the public.

Cilla Davies, the chair of Gwent Police Authority, said: “It is very important that the public take this opportunity to tell Parliament what they think of plans to introduce locally elected Police and Crime Commissioners.

“This is a significant opportunity for the public to have their say on the Government’s new governance proposals.

“This consultation will now provide an opportunity for a cross-party group of MPs to listen to public views on the government plans.”

Gwent Police Authority, the Association of Police Authorities and others have expressed concern at introducing elected commissioners.

The public can respond to the consultation by sending their views to scrutiny@parliament.uk

The views expressed will be considered by the Public Bill Committee – a cross-party group of 20 Mps.

For further information visit www.apa.police.uk