Police Commissioner.

[Paul22118]

Ian Blair has asked that people should not go to vote in the impending elections for new police commissioners. I happen agree with him although if one person votes there will be one. I predict a seriously low turn out.
What do you think? Good idea? Going to vote?

[LazyGun]

I think in general terms it is always better to employ your vote than not, for the simple reason that not voting contributes to low voter turnout and creates conditions where extremist candidates thrive, and secondly because if you deliberately disenfranchise yourself you really cannot bleat about exercising your right to comment or protest or whatever.

I was really quite surprised to hear him come out with that line. Not a big fan of the idea of a police commissioner myself, but if we are to have one, we all have an obligation to at least try and ensure the candidate is one who is reasonably mainstream....

[Gromit]

I didn't realise it was a political contest, I assumed they would all be independents professionals with knowledge of policing, not washed up politicians.

I think it is a bad idea to politicise the post. Have have no idea why the Government have done it. And yes, a very low turn out. I have already decided not to vote.

[New Judge]

No the idea of elected police commissioners is not a good idea. Nor is the idea of elected Regional Assemblies (soundly rejected - much to John Prescott's dismay - by the people of the North-East).

The system of local police authorities, overseen by the local council, is also a nonsense. Chief Constables should be appointed by the Home Office to carry out policing in line with national government policy and they should be answerable to the Home Secretary. You only have to look at the motley collection of political has-beens and never-has beens to realise that these posts are just another way for such people to collect £100k (plus expenses and pensions, natch) of taxpayers' dosh. (Of course, once in post they will all have to have a "small budget for administration" which will run into a few hundred thou more, thus enabling them to employ some of their relatives). And this from a government committed to implementing cuts.

[Ellipsis]

If you do not agree with the idea of an elected police commissioner, then go along and write on your ballot paper "I do not agree with the idea of an elected police commissioner." I believe a spoilt paper is vastly preferable to a no-vote.

[starone]

I hate this altogether. It is too Americanised (if that is a word). I have always been a great believer in using your vote. Our ancestors fought long and hard to get the facility so we should not let them down. However, (yes there is a however) in this case I don't know what to do. How are we expected to know who to vote for. If they had come up through the ranks and had a thorough knowledge of policing there would be no problem, but it seems they are going to be a motley crew. I hate not to vote - I think of whatsername chaining herself to the railings outside 10 Downing Street (bit hazy on the facts there but I know they fought for women's votes) and wonder if it was all worth it if we do not use it.

[modeller]

This link helped me to make up my mind .
http://www.policeelections.com

[starone]

Thanks modeller. It's going to be the Independant then. Sue Mountstevens. Might be interesting to see what a woman will do for the job. Also I used to live near their bakery and their cakes were delicious - although I am not letting that influence me, you understand. (Anyone who can make cakes like that cannot be bad.)

[baza]

got a card through the door telling me when to vote but haven't a clue who is standing. I think this must be the most over hyped con since two jags and his regional thing. How the h*** can you vote for someone when you don't know who they are or what they represent.
Am I going to vote ? I need more information to make a choice.

[starone]

I expect we will be overloaded with information before November 15th Baza.

[Gromit]

I would always vote inlocal and natal government elections, but this is an irrelevance. I think a very low turn out will send a better message than spoiling my ballot paper. A low vote will also diminish the legitimacy Of the post.

[LazyGun]

Given the newness of the post Starbuck, I think selecting a candidate on the basis of their cake making ability is as good a measure as any ;)

I would not want to reward the party political machines, nor the extremists in this election, so for me I will be looking at the independent candidates first.

[modeller]

baza go to this link and you can enter your postal address and get the names of the candidates for your area and their details and aims.
http://www.policeelections.com

[ll_billym]

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” — George Jean Nathan

[baza]

modeller, thanks for the link, looked at the ones for Essex and they all look shifty. Now who do I vote for?

[woofgang]

Yes I am going to vote. I am fed up with decisions about how my money is spent being taken centrally rather than responding to local requirement and need. If the police can't do everything then I want a local say in what the priorities should be.

[youngmafbog]

Not sure I agree with voting for Police comm. but there again I dont think they are held to account well enough at present.

Whether this will help I dont know, but I guess time will tell.

I will vote, if I got some information. I will be looking for a candidate who appears non political.

[modeller]

#I will be looking for a candidate who appears non political. #

Is that possible ? Anyone who stands for a public office must have strong political feelings ,otherwise they wouldn't be standing.

[askyourgran]

I do not agree with politicising the Police Force. I object to the idea of politician (usually failed) being given the job of prioritising Police Authority work, setting their budgets and being given the power to hire and fire a Police constable. I feel obliged to vote but really do not agree with this at all. But how else would one show their disapproval of this venture?

[plautus]

I agree. I will be sending my postal vote back inscribed with similar sentiments. To politicise it is a disgrace. We in my area will inevitably end up with the nominee of the Labour Party irrespective of the qualifications of the other candidates. It's like the US, where they vote for the local sheriff. When you are dependent upon votes there is bound to be some loss of integrity. Where will this end? Who do we vote for next?

[starone]

I was joking about the cakes lazygun (thinks pensively - but they were very nice). However, she is Independant and that might tend to influence me.