It’s a
shame that, having pushed so enthusiastically for the introduction of elected
Police & Crime Commissioners, the Conservative Home Secretary and her
department have not been willing to set funds aside for publicity materials for
candidates.
I and my
team have spoken to a number of people who were aware that the election for
their Police & Crime Commissioner is coming up, thanks to the recent
increase in media coverage and the information posted out by the Electoral
Reform Society, but did not know who their candidates were and what they stood
for.
Being
better informed would help the public to feel more engaged and enthusiastic about
the policy. It is particularly worrying that people with limited or no access
to the Internet, especially the elderly and those living in rural areas, are
provided with almost no means to gather information about the role of the PCC
and candidates for the position.
It’s
vital that people in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland feel well informed
enough to be able to use their vote effectively. The issues elected PCCs will
be dealing with and the powers they will be able to exercise are very important
to communities across the force area. The point of elected PCCs is to act as a
bridge between police and public – so public engagement is essential if they
are to be a success.
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