Call for rank and file input at Police and Crime Commissioner scrutiny panel

Ordinary police officers should be allowed input at a panel scrutinising the decisions of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), according to UKIP's election candidate.
Patrick Lowe, UKIP's  Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner candidate (photo submitted). SUS-160102-092704001Patrick Lowe, UKIP's  Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner candidate (photo submitted). SUS-160102-092704001
Patrick Lowe, UKIP's Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner candidate (photo submitted). SUS-160102-092704001

Patrick Lowe, who is looking to replace Conservative incumbent Katy Bourne in May, said he found it ‘inconceivable’ that in the 21st century politicians were meeting on the Sussex Police and Crime Panel without the Police Federation having any representation.

Although he conceded it was not within the remit of the PCC to influence the makeup of the panel, he pledged to welcome both the federation and the Fire Brigades Union, if the Government gave PCCs control over fire authorities, to be an integral part of his team and attend scrutiny panel meetings.

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Mr Lowe said: “Having held informal meetings with both the Police Federation and the Fire Brigade union, I find it inconceivable that in the 21st-century politicians are meeting on the police and crime panel and also within the fire authority panel to discuss plans and make decisions that affect the working life of the police force and the fire brigade without those members having any representation on those panels.

“After studying the situation I understand it is not within the PCC’s remit to influence the makeup of the members who sit on those panels but I will make it an election pledge that when elected (and as it looks like the Fire Brigade will come under the Police and Crime Commissioner’s responsibility) I will welcome both of these important public services to be an integral part of my team and invite them to attend the appropriate panel meetings as part of that team.

“As the PCC I will represent and champion not only the people of Sussex but also the rank and file of both of these vital services as well as holding the heads of the respective services to account.”

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