Kent Police's governing body has again branded controversial
plans for an elected police chief a waste of money.

After the Bill to put the proposal into law was presented
to Parliament for a second reading yesterday, Kent Police
Authority chairman Ann Barnes questioned whether there's any public
appitite for it.

She said: "I'm deeply concerned that the public are not even
aware of the plans to introduce police and crime commissioners, and
the implications if a political appointee wins.

"I've seen no real desire from local residents for the abolition
of police authorities, especially here in Kent, where we are
recognised by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary for our
good performance.

"What worries me is the potential to waste public money, these
additional costs are at a time when we are facing a budget cut of
around 20 per cent.

"As far as I'm concerned this money could be better used, and
could fund 70 more police officers in Kent."

Ms Barnes's comments are the latest in a series of statements made in opposition to the plans.

The radical overhaul would see one individual holding a police
force to account, with the same powers as Police Authorities,
including being able to hire or fire the Chief Constable.

The commissioner would have to run a campaign to be elected
for a four-year term by the public.

The pay and benefits of a Commissioner in England and Wales are
estimated at around £5 million or £121,951 each, and exclude the
costs of running an election and support staff.

Under the plans, Home Secretary Theresa May will not have the
power to remove the Police and Crime Commissioners, who will not
follow the same vetting procedures as police officers.

What do you think? Should election police commissioners
be brought in or can police authorities do the job?