Police shake-up 'danger'
Oct 6 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal
NORTHUMBRIA Police could have its budgets set by political extremists if a Government shake-up goes unchallenged, it has been claimed.
A Government green paper has proposed allowing local elections to take place for positions on police authorities which would allow non-councillors to run for office.
A councillor has warned that the changes to the traditionally council-led police authorities would be vulnerable to manipulation by groups such as the British Nationalist Party if the plans go ahead.
Sir Jeremy Beecham of Newcastle City Council said his colleagues must do all they can during the report’s consultation phase to convince ministers that the proposals are dangerous.
He added: “These proposals are wholly unacceptable. I think the three main parties have backed them, including the Labour Party, and this is a ridiculous position.
“What will see as a result of this, if the proposals are accepted in their current form, is a situation where to get elected, people go around stoking up the fear of crime instead of showcasing the achievement in reducing crime.
“And we as a council will be sidelined. I don’t know anyone who has complained about the current system, there is no appetite for change, and as far as I can tell people are just fine with councillors being on police boards.”
His concerns were backed by city council leader John Shipley, who said the changes seemed designed to fix a problem which does not exist.
Coun Shipley added: “Direct elections to police authorities should be strongly opposed. There is a real worry that the move will allow those with an axe to grind a chance to have a say over how we are policed.”
More than 1,000 councillors from across the country and from all the main political parties have written to the Home Secretary to express their concern over the policing green paper.
The Local Government Association has added its voice to Newcastle’s warning, claiming the move could lead to confusion over who is supposed to hold the police to account locally.
Home Office civil servants are currently seeking views on the proposed changes which include changes to the powers of police community support officers (PCSOs).
Currently PCSOs have different policing powers in different parts of the country, and both councils and police are eager to see this changed to create a nationalised role for the support officers.
The Home Office has requested that any issues be put to the Government before the October 10 deadline.
