Whatever my views are, the plans to replace Police Authorities with directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners will soon be approved.  

We, like other Authorities have voiced concerns ranging from the cost implications (it is thought that the new system will cost over £100million more  than the existing one in the first five years alone), the timing (the Olympics will take place just after the changeover and the possibility that policing will be politicised by Commissioners needing votes and public support.

I also wonder how much one person can do.  I know how busy my day is, and I have 16 other members to help me.

On the other hand, the objective of making policing more accountable to local people cannot be faulted.  The concept of local people voting for someone whose values match theirs to oversee their local police is difficult to challenge.  But the question is ‘will people vote?’ – I don’t know.

Over the coming months we will look closely at all aspects of this proposal to ensure that whatever happens, we leave a legacy of achievement and quality policing which has been designed around the needs of Lancashire people.  

Tell us what you think, take part in our survey now….