Category Archives: Police (local)

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17 Jan 2018

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Accountability, Police (local)

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Police and Crime Commissioner wants our opinion on raising police precept

Sadly, she doesn’t want our opinion on the vast sum of money wasted on her and her employees which appears to be somewhere between more £1 million and up to £3 m depending on where you look (Owl is not an accountant) – with, of course, more staff to help her.

Click to access STA_REP_statement-of-account-YE-31.03.17_170929.pdf

(pages 12, 24 and 26)

“The Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez invites you to take part in a survey about increasing the precept for police funding in your area. Please click on the attached link to take part.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/G2S8QP7

Thank you.
Message Sent By
Natasha Radford (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon and Cornwall)”

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31 Dec 2017

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Accountability, Conflict of interest, Developers/ Development, Planning System, Police (local), Scrutiny, Transparency

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“Freemasons are blocking reform, says Police Federation leader”

Remember how Owl was taken to task for saying planners took more notice of Freemasons than town councillors …

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2017/12/15/buckfastleigh-dissolves-its-planning-committee-as-district-and-county-councils-take-no-notice-of-its-recommendations/

Well …

“Reform in policing is being blocked by members of the Freemasons, and their influence in the service is thwarting the progress of women and people from black and minority ethnic communities, the leader of rank-and-file officers has said.

Steve White, who steps down on Monday after three years as chair of the Police Federation, told the Guardian he was concerned about the continued influence of Freemasons.

White took charge with the government threatening to take over the federation if it did not reform after a string of scandals and controversies.

The Freemasons is one of the world’s oldest secular societies, made up of people, predominantly men, concerned with moral and spiritual values. Their critics say they are secretive and serve the interests of their members over the interests of the public. The Masons deny this, saying they uphold values in keeping with public service and high morals.

White told the Guardian: “What people do in their private lives is a matter for them. When it becomes an issue is when it affects their work. There have been occasions when colleagues of mine have suspected that Freemasons have been an obstacle to reform.

“We need to make sure that people are making decisions for the right reasons and there is a need for future continuing cultural reform in the Fed, which should be reflective of the makeup of policing.”

One previous Metropolitan police commissioner, the late Sir Kenneth Newman, opposed the presence of Masons in the police.

White would not name names, but did not deny that some key figures in local Police Federation branches were Masons.

White said: “It’s about trust and confidence. There are people who feel that being a Freemason and a police officer is not necessarily a good idea. I find it odd that there are pockets of the organisation where a significant number of representatives are Freemasons.”

The Masons deny any clash or reason police officers should not be members of their organisation.

Mike Baker, spokesman for the United Grand Lodge, said: “Why would there be a clash? It’s the same as saying there would be a clash between anyone in a membership organisation and in a public service.

“We are parallel organisations, we fit into these organisations and have high moral principles and values.”

Baker said Freemasonry was open to all, the only requirement being “faith in a supreme being”. He said there were a number of police officers who were Masons and police lodges, such as the Manor of St James, set up for Scotland Yard officers, and Sine Favore, set up in 2010 by Police Federation members. One of those was the Met officer John Tully, who went on to be chair of the federation and, after retirement from policing, is an administrator at the United Grand Lodge of England.

Masons in the police have been accused of covering up for fellow members and favouring them for promotion over more talented, non-Mason officers.

White said: “Some female representatives were concerned about Freemason influence in the Fed. The culture is something that can either discourage or encourage people from the ethnic minorities or women from being part of an organisation.”

The federation has passed new rules on how it runs itself, aimed at ending the fact that its key senior officials are all white, and predominantly male.

White said he hoped the new rules would lead to an end to old white men dominating the federation: “The new regulations will mean Freemasons leading to an old boys’ network will be much less likely in the future. …”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/31/freemasons-blocking-reform-police-federation-leader

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13 Nov 2017

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Accountability, Police (local)

“FIFTH vote of no confidence for police and crime commissioner”

“Councillors will be asked to vote on a fourth motion of no confidence in police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez next week. The controversial politician has lost one council bid to unseat her, survived two others and narrowly avoided a fourth which was withdrawn ahead of a meeting.

None of the political resolutions have any teeth and Ms Hernandez has accused opponents of “naked politicking”.

Earlier moves have followed comments she made on a BBC radio phone-in about armed civilians and terrorists and claims that her plan to develop community policing was failing.

The latest attempt comes at Cornwall Council where Tim Dwelly, leader of the Labour group at County Hall, will table a motion an next week’s full council meeting.” …

http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/fifth-vote-no-confidence-police-770955

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16 Oct 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

“Now police chief Alison Hernandez faces a no confidence vote from her own former colleagues”

It seems only local Conservative politicians are prepared to keep her – what a surprise! In any other walk of life she would probably now be at the job centre. What a waste of our money.

“Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez faces another vote of no confidence this week – from her own former council colleagues. Ms Hernandez was a member of Torbay Council before she took on the job as Devon and Cornwall’s police chief.

Now her old council will be the latest to move for a vote of no confidence in her. The Conservative commissioner has already endured votes of no confidence from Plymouth City Council, which she lost, and another by the police scrutiny panel, which she won.

Devon County Council’s cabinet also backed the commissioner last month. Cornish councillors are also expected to have a similar discussion this month.

Now Liberal Democrat councillors in Torbay have her in their sights. They are angry at police cuts as well as Ms Hernandez’ comments on using armed volunteers in response to terrorist incidents and her attempts to appoint a deputy.

They have also not forgiven her for taking a ‘selfie’ with firefighters at the Exeter Royal Clarence Hotel fire.

A motion to the council meeting on Thursday, proposed by Nick Pentney and seconded by Cindy Stocks, is headed ‘Crisis in Frontline Policing in Torbay’ and reads: “Torbay Council is extremely alarmed that under the watch of Alison Hernandez, there has been a drastic reduction in the number of PCSOs, the eyes and ears of the force in Torbay. …”

http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/now-police-chief-alison-hernandez-632726

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9 Oct 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local), Rural communications, Rural communities

Communications gaffe costs police equivalent of 7,800 jobs

“The £4 billion upgrade to emergency services communications is already years behind schedule, and there are growing concerns that critical elements of it cannot work.

Incredibly, the technology does not even exist to operate the new generation of radios in police helicopters, while hundreds of extra phone masts must be built before the network can be used in rural areas.

Police leaders fear these unresolved problems will push the start date for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) back again, leaving them with a huge bill for keeping the existing Airwave radio system switched on as they pay for the development of its replacement. …

… Earlier this year, the Home Office admitted the transition period would have to continue until September 2020, nine months after the expected ‘national shutdown date’ for Airwave.

But a key part of the Airwave infrastructure is due to stop working six months earlier in March 2020, in what MPs on the influential Public Accounts Committee described as a ‘potentially catastrophic blow to the ability of our emergency services to carry out their job and keep citizens safe’.

A restricted document written for the National Police Chiefs Council this summer claims it would cost ‘£403 million or 7,800 constables’ if forces had to pay for an extra year of running Airwave.

Last night, the national police lead for the project, Deputy Chief Constable Richard Morris, said: ‘The Government has a contingency plan in place and has extended all Airwave contracts to December 31, 2019.’

The Home Office said: ‘Emergency services will only transition when they are satisfied with the new network.’ “

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4959474/Delays-police-radio-cost-salaries-8-000-PCs.html

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22 Sep 2017

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Democracy, Fracking, Police (local)

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“FIFTY police officers sent to a few dozen aging protesters”

”They drink tea, eat cake and from time to time burst into song.
The few dozen, predominantly retired, professionals at this very English protest hardly add up to a formidable force.

But on the fracking front line police are taking no chances.

At a time when forces up and down the country complain that they are struggling to cope because of budget cuts, North Yorkshire Police are facing accusations of mounting a ‘disproportionate’ and expensive show of strength.

Usually outnumbering – and certainly outmuscling – the grey-haired demonstrators, up to 50 police officers at a time are dealing with the protest.

The start of work to prepare for fracking at the Third Energy well at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering, has prompted the protests.

This week 12 people have been arrested, mainly for obstruction of the highway or a police officer.

Many of the protesters are pensioners who gather daily outside the site gates cum rain, cum shine to express their displeasure. They fear fracking – the controversial method of mining for gas and oil – poses a threat to this beautiful and unspoilt rural area. …

On Thursday around 30 were walking up the path to deal with protesters, although up to 50 are on site. Anyone who sits on the road to try to block the entrance gate risks being picked up by a uniformed officers and arrested. The trucks are escorted on to the site by two patrol cars and a police van packed with officers.

Sue Gough, 62, a retired teacher, said: ‘I have never protested before in my life. It is awful the way the policing has escalated. One of us was chased through Kirby Misperton by police and all he was doing was riding his bike.’
Jackie Brooks, 77, a great grandmother, was serving tea and cake from a stall beside the gates where protesters sang songs and strummed guitars. The former nurse said: ‘I don’t want this beautiful countryside poisoned by the chemicals they use.’

Another protester was Annabel Holt, 76, daughter of war hero Lieutenant Colonel Percy Legard, commander of the No 4 Commando strike force. ‘My father fought to save Britain from 1939 to 1945 and would have been against fracking,’ she said. ‘He fought for his country and I’m trying to do the same.’

Monica Gripaios, 66, claimed the force used by police has been ‘utterly disproportionate to the mood and actions of the peacefully assembled people’.

This week police have been dealing with between 30 and 60 protesters. Nine have been charged and a further two have accepted cautions. They include an 18-year-old woman, who has been charged with assaulting two officers.

Police insist they are acting responsibly. Superintendent Lindsey Robson said: ‘We have a duty to ensure people who want to assemble and protest do so safely, balanced against a duty to ensure that businesses can go about their lawful commercial activity.’

This week one of the country’s top officers warned that the police service is under unsustainable pressure due to the resources required to fight terrorism.

Sara Thornton, head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, warned that officer numbers are at 1985 levels, crime is up 10 per cent on last year and police work has become ‘ever more complex’.

John Dewar, of Third Energy, said: ‘We look forward to running a safe and successful operation [at the site] that will be carried out with minimal impact on local residents and the environment.’

… When a lorry arrives, about every half hour at peak times, police advance up the remote country lane towards the protesters and force them on to the verge.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4911634/FIFTY-police-officers-sent-dozen-aging-protesters.html

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15 Sep 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

Why are only police and prison officers getting a pay rise?

A Guardian letters correspondent has a theory:

“The decision to release the pay cap only for police and prison officers will inevitably attract strong criticism from nurses and others, but it makes sense. Most Tory MPs probably have private healthcare, but they might well need the services of the police to intervene between them and the electorate during the conference season and beyond. Tory peers should also support the decision; Lords Archer, Hanningfield and Taylor of Warwick [Tory peers who have spent time in prison] could tell them how helpful prison officers can be at difficult times.

Geoff Booth

Knebworth, Hertfordshire”

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13 Sep 2017

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Accountability, Democracy, General Election, Inequality, Minority Government, Police (local), Spin

When is a question not a question? When you ask it of Theresa May!

“Ian Blackford, the SNP Westminster Leader, said it all when he quipped: “I was under the impression that this was questions to the PM.”

At PMQs this week, Theresa May failed to answer almost every question that was put to her, which leaves one wondering why this theatrical spectacle is still continued.

Asked about the worry felt by the constituents of Oxford West and Abingdon about leaving the single market and how this would affect the local economy, Theresa May decided to accuse MP Layla Moran of providing misinformation to her constituents about Brexit. May claimed that the Tories are seeking a deal that “gives us access to the single market” – not something that has been announced as part of the Government’s confusing position on Brexit, but presumably that doesn’t matter.

When quizzed on the damning UN report detailing that the UK actively discriminates against disabled people through cuts, Theresa May claimed that “those who are most in need” are receiving help, and that the support they are providing has “actually increased”. Must all be in the UN’s imagination, then – not to mention the imaginations of disability charities, my esteemed colleague James Moore, and those processing Freedom of Information requests. The fact that the DWP was told to “discriminate” against claimants with mental health conditions is obviously part of May’s utopian plan to help out those in need.

On the next question, Theresa May refused to accept that a 1 per cent pay increase for police officers and prison officers, with 2.9 per cent inflation, was in fact a real terms pay cut. She went on to say that, actually, police officers had actually enjoyed a 32 per cent increase over the past seven years.

I’m sure it will come as a shock to many police officers on the beat that they’ve “never had it better”, particularly considering over 20,000 of their jobs have been slashed (as well as there being 7,000 fewer prison officers). She then failed to guarantee that there would be no further police and prison officer cuts. Transparency really isn’t one of May’s fortes.

Corbyn continued by asking what has happened to the average person’s bank account over the past seven years, which, to her due, she did answer. May detailed that the average person is £1,000 better off due to tax allowances. I’m sure many people will be sitting at home wondering if their extra grand has gotten lost in the post.

Getting a proper answer or some form of acknowledgement that there may be an issue for even one single person in the country during a period of protracted austerity and a skydiving pound has become a rarity for Theresa May. She seems to be under the impression that she is not accountable to the people in this country, and that she can continue to hide what the Government is doing behind rhetoric while the public sit at home and nod.

Criticism is justified on both sides of the benches when it comes to the lack of discussion on Brexit. One wonders if they think by not talking about it, we will forget that it’s happening. With talks being stalled for an extra week and two major votes through Parliament this week, you would think it would be worth mentioning.

Alas, only Layla Moran got a brief word in edgeways on the subject.

During the general election, it was widely publicised that Theresa May rarely engaged with a member of the public who wasn’t a paid-up member of the Conservatives – you’d think that perhaps, after all of that criticism, she’d have changed her tune. This is how Corbyn swiped many of her votes, after all. But it appears that the Prime Minister has simply retreated further into her shell, with her fingers firmly wedged in her ears.

If Theresa May does remain in her position until 2022, then we have an awful lot of answer-free PMQs to sit through until the next general election.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech

It didn’t take long for the police union to call her a liar!

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/police-union-accuses-theresa-may-of-telling-a-downright-lie-about-pay-rise_uk_59b920bfe4b02da

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13 Sep 2017

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Accountability, DCC, Police (local)

You wait for one “no confidence vote” and two come along …

Currently:

“Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez is facing a third vote of no confidence.

The vote, at Devon County Council’s Cabinet meeting, follows comments she made on a BBC radio phone-in about armed civilians and terrorists.

The Conservative commissioner has survived the two previous confidence votes by Plymouth City Council and a police scrutiny panel.

Ms Hernandez has described the new motion is “naked politicking”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-devon-41161493

Tonight: Paul Diviani, EDDC (see post below)

Truly, there is something seriously wrong in our local Tory party, where the gene pool seems to have become exhausted!

And isn’t “naked politicking” what she did to get the job!

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6 Sep 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

“Dorset PCC on merger proposals” – one way to remove Hernandez! ans save money?

The Dorset PCC is a former commended police officer and stood as an independent in Dorset’s PCC elections …

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martyn_Underhill

“Dorset’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) said he welcomed proposals for a “closer working relationship” between the Dorset and Devon and Cornwall forces.

Martyn Underhill said: “I have made no secret about my concerns regarding police funding and the difficulties faced by forces during a time of ever-complex and increasing demand.

“However, that does not mean that we should stop working tirelessly to make the best use of taxpayers’ money.

“It is clear that there is a great deal more work required to understand the potential opportunities and challenges that this proposal might bring.

“Equally, we will need to seek the views of our communities and ensure that feedback is listened to and understood.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-devon-41124772

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6 Sep 2017

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Accountability, Police (local)

“APPOINTMENT OF SIX MEMBERS TO THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT COMMITTEE

Do you have experience of scrutinising financial information and governance?

Can you provide constructive challenge?

Are you committed to the principles of public accountability?

If so we want to hear from you.

Dorset and Devon and Cornwall Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners are creating a single Independent Audit Committee to provide assurance to them on relevant financial and governance matters. They are seeking six independent members to be drawn from across the South West Region.

Minimum of four meetings per year for which an attendance allowance and expenses will be paid.

To find out more, recruitment packs may be downloaded from the website: http://www.dorset.pcc.police.uk or contact:

Telephone 01202 229084 or e-mail pcc@dorset.pnn.police.uk

Closing date for applications: 29 September 2017

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.”

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30 Aug 2017

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Accountability, Police (local)

Can you imagine THIS happening in Devon?

“Northamptonshire’s police and crime commissioner has asked the Home Office to allow him to take over the county’s Fire and Rescue Service.
The service is at present run by Northamptonshire County Council, which has supported the proposal. Commissioner Stephen Mold said a public consultation had shown 60.8% of the 1,212 responses received supported his plan. Fire service employees favoured the change with 92% in agreement.
The Policing and Crime Act 2017 allows commissioners to mount a business case for taking over fire services, though does not require them to do so.””

http://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php

Our notorious and unpopular PCC (Alison Hernandez) made our Chief Fire Officer pause his leadership of the Royal Clarence Hotel fire so she could take a selfie with him!

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27 Aug 2017

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Accountability, Developers/ Development, Police (local)

Closed police stations sold to developers at knock-down prices

Over 300 sold and converted to flats and offices at great profit … many sold cheaply … Woodbridge in Suffolk sold for £1.1m expected to be worth £3.8m after conversion. Many bought at auction.

Source: Daily Telegraph business section

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25 Aug 2017

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Accountability, EDDC, Police (local), Spin

Silliest silly season spin headline?

The award goes surprise, surprise) to Archant newspapers (Midweek Herald, Exmouth Journal, Sidmouth Journal) for the headline from this EDDC press release:

“Council backs campaign against hate crime”

http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/council-backs-campaign-against-hate-crime-1-5162356

It isn’t offering money or resources. It isn’t doing ANYTHING AT ALL except issuing a press release backing a Devon and Cornwall Police initiative. No doubt one of those great ideas that come – at a price – from our Police and Crime Commissioner.

Can you imagine the furore if the council DIDN’T back it!

Now that WOULD be a headline!

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18 Aug 2017

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Police (local)

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Torbay Council Customer Services – a stepping stone to greater things in the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

Customer Services at Torbay Council leads to greater things.

After starting life as a market trader Ms Hernandez took a position as a Receptionist at the Riviera Centre and later became a Customer Service supervisor there from 1998 – 2000. She then moved on to the Press and Public Relations department (2000-2002) and ended up as Crime and Disorder Reduction Co-ordinator (2001-2004) before leaving for pastures new [Source: Linkedin]

Now Torbay Council’s current Assistant Director of Customer Service is becoming one of Ms Hernandez’s “monitors” as Chief Executive of her office (though they seem to have overlapped only during the time when Ms Hernandez was a Torbay councillor). One of her jobs at Torbay was Executive Head of Community Safety (2008-2011). Ms Hughes began her career at Torbay in Environmental Health, in which she received her degree. Source also Linked In.

Truly, Torbay council is a breeding ground for local talent where crime prevention is concerned – as Ms Hernandez had also wanted her fellow Torbay councillor and friend Mark Kingscote to join her as her deputy until the Police and Crime Panel “recommended” against it (as that is all they are allowed to do):

http://www.devonlive.com/panel-refuses-deputy-police-and-crime-commissioner-for-devon/story-30428805-detail/story.html

Ms Allen has been a DCC Assistant Treasurer since 2009 and was educated locally at Colyton Grammar School.

Two people have been appointed to “monitor and advise” the police and crime commissioner (PCC).

Frances Hughes will be the new chief executive and Nicola Allen will be the treasurer.

Ms Hughes is currently the assistant director of community and customer services at Torbay Council and Ms Allen, is the senior assistant county treasurer with Devon County Council.

Both were “unanimously confirmed in their appointments by the Police and Crime Panel”, said the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).

A spokesman said the role of chief executive is one of two positions created with the intention of monitoring and advising the elected PCC in their activities, as well as ensuring the manifesto is fulfilled on behalf of both the public and government.

The OPCC has been trying to fill the two statutory posts since CEO Andrew White moved to Lincolnshire Police and treasurer Duncan Walton announced he was retiring.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-devon-40851277

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30 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

See your Police and Crime Panel in action – in Plymouth – and how to ask a question

Owl thinks the Police and Crime Commissioner is getting an easy ride when it comes to accountability. And thinks the Police and Crime Panel (which can make recommendations to her but cannot do anything else if she disagrees with them) is getting an even easier ride.

It is very hard for people in East Devon to get to Plymouth, where the panel always meets (time for an Exeter venue?) but for anyone who wants to attend and ask questions of the panel, here is the relevant information:

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel
Next meeting: Friday 18 August 2017 10.30 am

The agenda will be displayed in the week before the meeting

Proposed venue: Council House (Next to the Civic Centre), Plymouth

How to ask the panel a question

Members of the public can attend panel meetings (except where confidential or exempt information is likely to be discussed) and may ask questions at each meeting (up to two questions per person per meeting and up to 100 words per question) that are relevant to the Panel’s functions.

At the start of each meeting 30 minutes will be allocated to questions asked by members of the public. Responses may be oral or written.

Questions must be put in writing to the Democratic and Member Support Manager at Plymouth City Council at least 5 clear working days before the panel meeting.

Democratic and Member Support Manager
Plymouth City Council
Civic Centre
Plymouth
PL1 2AA
democraticservices@plymouth.gov.uk

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21 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

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Can anyone make sense of remarks below?

“Devon and Cornwall police officer numbers have dropped below 3,000, according to new figures released in an apparent attempt by the Government to bury bad news.

The number of sworn officers at the force has reduced by 46 over the 12 months to March 31 and now stands at 2,914, a report published on Thursday shows. …

The former Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner, Tony Hogg, fought to keep officer numbers above the 3,000 figure for most of his four-year term.

His successor in the elected “crime czar” role, Alison Hernandez, unveiled a £24m plan to add 100 officers to the workforce in January by cutting around half of the police and community support officers (PCSO).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report published on July 20 also shows that PCSO numbers have dropped 10 per cent in the two counties, from 347 to 311 in the year to March 31.

Staff numbers also plunged by 12 per cent over the year, from 1,488 to 1,306, a reduction of 182, the report shows. …

The leader of Labour’s county group of seven, Rob Hannaford, blamed the commissioner for the move to halve PCSO numbers, saying the PCC role was an “American gimmick” and “not the way forward”.

“PCSOs often fill gaps and there is concern that huge reductions will only diminish all the good work that has been done,” he told the meetign at County Hall. …

Roger Croad, chairman of the police and crime panel which oversees the PCC, insisted that decisions to re-shape the force were the “sole province” of the chief constable, Shaun Sawyer, and not decided by Ms Hernandez.

Mr Croad said in his opinion a sworn officer was “worth his weight in gold”, adding that chief cos Sawyer had made it clear that cutting PCSOs for officers was “his decision alone”.

“I am not her (sic) as an apologist for the chief constable or the commissioner,” he added.

“Most police forces have reduced PCSO numbers over five years whereas Devon and Cornwall have not. The chief constable has decided that the time is right; also there is a national requirement to uplift armed capacity to deal with the terrorist threat.

“As of June 1 there are 310 PCSOs which the chief constable wants to reduce to 150 by 2021, enabling 100 new officers.

“Several PCSOs have made the transition; there are no plans for any redundancies. The chief constable said he wants the right people with the right skills in the right place doing the right things.”

http://www.devonlive.com/police-numbers-down-264-end-of-parliament-figures-8216-buried-8217-by-government-show/story-30451016-detail/story.html

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21 Jul 2017

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Accountability, DCC, Police (local)

DCC Tories choose not to vote on no-confidence in Hernandez

The article is predictable – Tories don’t admit mistakes or vote out their own, fudge the issue, etc:

http://www.devonlive.com/devon-s-crime-czar-survives-calls-for-her-to-be-removed/story-30450804-detail/story.html

but the three comments currently under the article are perhaps more representative of real people in the real world:

1. We would be better off with the police commissioner from Death in Paradise – at least he wears a smart uniform!

2. The infestation of local government by national politics lurches from one insanity to the next. One suspects that the reason why the Conservative controlled County Council decided against calling for a vote of no confidence in the Conservative PCC has far more to do with the fact that the Conservatives are not very popular just now than with the need to remove the unprofessional occupant of his unwanted sinecure post. Once again, political expediency triumphs over the wellbeing of local people. This is simply appalling!

3. WHO CARES ABOUT HER ANYMORE? SHE IS JUST A VERY EXPENSIVE “LAUGHING STOCK!!!”

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21 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Police (local)

“”Police and crime commissioners, your time is up”

Jawad Iqbal, todays Times (paywall)

“The role of police and crime commissioner is a discredited experiment and should be abolished. Research conducted before the most recent elections for PCCs, as they’re known, found that fewer than one in ten people knew who their local one was. This despite the fact that they control a policing budget of £12.5 billion and have the final say in appointing chief constables.

So, five years into an experiment that was meant to spearhead a revival of local democracy and police accountability, it is clearly far from a success. The warning signs were there from the beginning: turnout for the first round of voting in 2012 was only 15 per cent — the lowest figure ever recorded for a national election. One polling station in Newport, Gwent, registered no voters at all.

Things improved a little last year, with turnout at 26 per cent, but this had much to do with votes being held on the same day as local government elections.

PCCs who come to public notice usually do so for all the wrong reasons. The Kent PCC, Ann Barnes, was ridiculed for struggling to explain her job during a television interview, as well as for paying £15,000 to a 17-year-old “youth commissioner” who was forced to resign after it emerged she had sent abusive tweets.

Shaun Wright, the South Yorkshire PCC, tried and failed to cling to office, despite police failures in the Rotherham child abuse scandal. Cumbria’s PCC, Richard Rhodes, apologised for wasting £700 on two trips in a chauffeur-driven car. Most notoriously of all, the Devon and Cornwall PCC, Alison Hernandez, appeared to suggest last month that ordinary citizens with gun licences might be able to help in a terrorist crisis. And at a time when policing budgets are being squeezed, the salaries of the majority of PCCs — between £70,000 and £85,000 — don’t exactly represent value for money.

Ministers should have acted on the findings of the 2013 Stevens report into policing, which dismissed PCCs as a “fatally flawed” system. It is time we cut our losses and dropped them. The latest crime figures in England and Wales, published yesterday, show the biggest annual rise in a decade, with rising levels of the most serious violent offences. All the more reason for precious funds to go into frontline policing — not into a discredited vanity exercise that flatters the egos of overpromoted busybodies and failed MPs.”

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18 Jul 2017

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Accountability, Police (local), Scrutiny

Oh, please NO! Police and Crime Commissioners can take over Fire and Rescue service

“Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority members have objected to plans from the area’s police and crime commissioner to take over its responsibilities.

Authority chair Kevin Reynolds said the commissioner’s proposal arose from a business case, which authority members had unanimously concluded “did not contain sufficient evidence to prove the case for what could be a costly and unnecessary change in governance arrangements”.
Members did though agree to offer a voting place on the fire authority to the commissioner.

Cllr Reynolds said one of the benefits cited by the commissioner for merging the services was better use of shared estates. “Evidence shows this collaboration is already happening not only between police and fire but also between fire and a whole range of public sector partners,” he said.
“The cost savings cited from a governance change in the business case also do not appear to have enough evidence behind them to support any change.
“We question whether a potential and unsubstantiated saving of £14,000 per year is a strong enough reason for wholesale change.”

Cllr Reynolds said the authority saw no “beneficial fit” with the police as they had “different cultures and accountabilities”.

Commissioner Jason Ablewhite had earlier cited new legislation enabling police and crime commissioners to take over fire and rescue services where they can make a case to do so.

He said PA Consulting had assembled a business case that showed “there are many advantages to be gained if I take on responsibility for governance of the fire service”.

Mr Ablewhite said: “My proposal is not a takeover of fire and rescue services, or a merger of the roles of police officers and firefighters. The distinction between operational policing and firefighting will be maintained.

“I believe that by taking over the governance arrangements from the council-run fire authority, I can provide greater accountability and transparency of both police and fire services and can maximise front-line resources and improve public safety.”

http://localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31932%3Afire-authority-sets-our-opposition-to-police-commissioner-takeover&catid=59&Itemid=27