Your chance to have a say on police issues in county
LEICESTER, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews is hunting for community members to take to the helm of a new police scrutiny panel.
The Commissioner is set to unveil a new-look Ethics and Transparency (ETP) Panel to provide independent evaluation and scrutiny of Leicestershire Police and his own office.
The ETP replaces the Ethics, Integrity and Complaints Committee and will see a fresh board of members appointed, representing a diverse range of backgrounds and personal experience.
Members will be independent and unbiased and responsible for enhancing external and internal trust and confidence in Leicestershire Police. They will focus on scrutinising the Force’s actions and decision-making, as well as those of the PCC’s office.
Mr Matthews said: “This Panel is born out of my election promise to hold the Force to account and make sure every action and decision made is in the very best interests of the public. It is vital that the public have faith and trust in the police. Sir Robert Peel founded the concept of policing by consent nearly two centuries ago and it is essential that we continue that tradition into the 21st Century.
“Examining decisions and practices is a significant part of my role and I have no doubt that I will need help to give this commitment the full focus and resources it requires.
“I want to ensure the system I have in place to deliver oversight is robust and effective with a membership that fully represents the rich and diverse population of Leicester , Leicestershire and Rutland. This is why I have announced fundamental changes to ensure this committee is fully equipped to do the job it has to do, with the power to drive real change in the future and build trust among the public. Sir Robert Peel wrote ‘The Police are the Public and the Public are the Police’. It is key that this committee also reflects the society that it serves.” The Panel will review the behaviour, actions and decisions of police officers and staff and will debate and advise on complex operational or personnel issues, providing assurance to the Commissioner that the highest standards are being upheld.
In total, seven members will be appointed to the committee - all of whom must either work or live in the Leicestershire Police force area with each expected to attend four meetings per year with the accompanying paperwork and further assurance work including dip sampling of complaints.
To be eligible, residents must be 18 years old or over and live or work in the Force area.
They must also be independent of Leicestershire Police and the OPCC.
Training will be provided and an annual allowance will be paid plus expenses.
The closing date for applications is December 12 at 11.55pm.
More information on the role and recruitment pack can be accessed at www. leics.pcc.police.uk