Caerphilly’s Labour MP Wayne David has spoken out against government plans to introduce directly elected Police Commissioners labelling the idea “crackpot”.
The coalition government has published a consultation paper proposing the creation of directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners to replace Police Authorities.
Mr David recently met with the chair and chief executive of Gwent Police Authority and expressed his “grave concern” about the government’s plans.
He said: “I am seriously worried about what the government have in mind. There is a real risk that policing will be politicised if we have these superannuated Sheriffs replacing local Police Authorities.
“Not only will these Police Commissioners be extremely expensive, as they could cost as much £50 million, there is the real risk that they will not reflect local concerns but distort police priorities in a partisan way.”
Mr David now intends to liaise closely with Police Authorities throughout Wales, as well as fellow Members of Parliament.
He will also be making approaches to the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that “a Welsh voice” is heard strongly by the government in Westminster.
Mr David aded: “If the government’s ‘crack pot ideas’ for Police Commissioners come about, it will be a sad and dangerous day for community policing in Wales. That is why they must be opposed vigorously.”
The Chair of Police Authorities of Wales (PAW), which represents the four Welsh forces, has also spoken out about the plans.
Delyth Humfryes said: “As the Chair of Police Authorities of Wales, I can confirm that we have considered proposals for Directly Elected Commissioners and have significant concerns about the model of policing governance being pursued by the coalition government.
“It is not one that PAW would chose and we will continue to express our concerns in this respect.
“However, we recognise the mandate and the political will of the coalition government to influence and to shape the outcome of changes to police governance and accountability and other strategic issues.”