The head of Kent Police's governing body has warned bringing in an elected "crime commissioner" could leave 50 police jobless.

In a strongly-worded statement issued today, chairman of Kent Police Authority Ann Barnes hit out at the controversial proposal.

She said if given the go-ahead an election could cost Kent's taxpayers up to £2million - at a time when police jobs are on the line.

It follows research by the Local Government Association that suggested running elections in 2012 for the role will cost around £54million nationally - the equivalent of 700 police officers.

Mrs Barnes said: "Policing and Crime Commissioners will cost taxpayers.

"I do not think that now is the time to be putting money that we haven't got into an uncosted proposal that lacks clarity and detail.

"At best this is a rebranding exercise, as the Commissioner is expected to have exactly the same role and powers as our existing police authority."

Mrs Barnes added: "This is an extra bureaucratic tier which may well cost even more money to form and to support.

"At a time when we're having to significantly reduce our budgets, spending money on new organisations does not make any sense.

"There has been little vocal support for these changes and according to our own research, reflected in many other policing areas, there is at best apathy.

"Now is not the time for this, and the haste with which this is moving leaves little room for genuine consultation or alternative options."

Authority members met last week to discuss their response to the proposed changes on accountability and on other policing issues.

Their response has now been sent to the Home Office.

Mrs Barnes said: "Police authorities always welcome proper reviews of accountability and scrutiny arrangements.

"Whilst we are convinced that we do a thorough job, there is always room for improvement in any organisation.

"We just think that now is not the time to embark on wholescale change that is untried and untested.

"Also, surprisingly in these dire financial times, these proposals are uncosted, and I defy anyone to tell me of any massive policy change in the public sector that hasn't cost us dearly in the past.

"When we are scratching around for every penny to protect front-line policing and jobs, to spend money on these proposals is not justifiable.

"Especially when our police officers, staff, and everyone else in our communities are bracing themselves for difficult times ahead.

"I strongly urge a rethink again about the timing of this. Please can some common sense prevail."