Calling Police and Crime Commissioners everywhere
Dawn raiding Sun Journalists and Abu Qatada's curfew - just a small sample of the complex policing issues arising over the last week.
The decisions and actions taken by our law enforcement officers are hugely varied and challenging. But for a long time there has been disquiet, both publicly and privately, about the accountability and the efficacy of the police service.
Reform is becoming the norm with a swathe of public and private UK institutions undergoing enormous change in recent months – for the better we hope; Financial Services, Legal Services, MPs, Press and the media, the NHS, the House of Lords, and now the Police.
Many have something to say and often something to criticise about our Bobbies, but now people from every walk of life have an opportunity to put their heads above the parapet and try and walk the walk as well as talk the talk.
In November this year elections take place to appoint Police and Crime Commissioners for each of our 41 police services, Kent included. The job, if you're interested, includes; working with communities to identify their policing needs, agreeing a local strategic plan, setting a budget and holding the Chief Constable to account.
It is a lot of power to place in one person's hands, but perhaps it will be better to have a single, accountable, face to deal with than the existing police authority that will be replaced.
I see there are already some high profile takers in our midst for the Kent position, but this is an opportunity for anyone and everyone and I would urge people with a passion and a purpose to seriously consider putting themselves forward.
Before standing as a Parliamentary Candidate I was a businesswoman, a mum, a normal everyday citizen, and I still remain so. Maybe this is your time?
Please consider standing as Kent's Police Commissioner and contact the Kent Police Authority, your favoured political party or pccinfo@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. You can also visit http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners/ for further information.
Helen's column is written for the Kent Messenger. It is published each Friday and subsequently uploaded to this website. Recently published columns can be found under the Kent Messenger Weekly Column tab above.
