A GOVERNMENT minister has praised police for doing ‘excellent work’.
David Hanson MP, Minister of State for Policing, commended Cheshire Constabulary in the recent Government White Paper Protecting the Public: Supporting the Police to Succeed.
The document calls for the strengthening of the role of police authorities to make sure people know what to expect from the police, how to make their voice heard and can shape local policing priorities.
It also calls for police authorities to nominate a lead member for each policing area, something Cheshire Police Authority introduced back in 2005.
Mr Hanson, MP for Delyn in Flintshire, said: “I am greatly encouraged by the proactive work already accomplished, the achievement in Cheshire in allocating individual members to each of the areas 19 policing units, is definitely to be welcomed and encouraged. Excellent work.”
Commenting on the need for senior officers and the police authority to hold regular public meetings, he added: “Cheshire is already meeting this requirement.”
After hearing his remarks, chairman of the authority Margaret Ollerenshaw said: “In Cheshire we have long believed effective policing is built upon strong neighbourhood working. In order for the authority to effectively hold the chief constable to account on behalf of the community, we need to understand their needs and concerns.
“Every member holds regular meetings with their neighbourhood inspector to do just that.”
The White Paper also asks police authorities to ensure that public meetings are held several times a year.
Mrs Ollerenshaw added: “The authority holds ‘Have Your Say’ meetings in each policing area throughout the year at which people can come and directly question senior officers and members. This is an important way for us to gather the views of people about policing and give people information about important issues."