‘Scrutiny of police must continue’

THE chair of a panel that holds the police to account says public scrutiny of the constabulary must continue given officers are currently exercising emergency powers.

Evan Morris MBE chairs the Cheshire Police And Crime Panel which was unable to meet last month due to coronavirus social distancing rules.

Mr Morris hopes video conferencing can be used to overcome this barrier.

He believes the panel, which scrutinises police and crime commissioner David Keane who in turn holds Chief Constable Darren Martland to account, has a vital role to play in maintaining public confidence in the force during ‘challenging times’.

Some critics have already highlighted examples from Cheshire and further afield where it is alleged officers may have gone too far in enforcing new movement restrictions.

Mr Morris said: “Whilst the panel is currently unable to meet due to social distancing, efforts are being made to ensure our continued scrutiny and support for the commissioner and constabulary throughout this period. I welcome the suggestion from the commissioner and his chief of staff to maintain our effective engagement utilising technology to socially distance whilst ensuring the safety of all of those involved.”

He continued: “The panel are firmly of the view that, public oversight and scrutiny of the commissioner and the constabulary is of vital importance.

“We will be stepping up our efforts to support and guide these most essential functions and powers during these challenging times.

“I want to take this opportunity to urge the public to assist us in tackling the spread of Covid19 and adhere to the medical advice being issued by the Government and Public Health England.

“Such action will help prevent the spread of the virus, reducing pressure on our emergency services and the NHS.”

Mr Evans said the panel saw themselves as ‘very much a part of the policing family’ with a remit to make Cheshire safer.