PSA National Secretary Warren Franklin has commented following today's Home Office announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners are to be scrapped, with their roles absorbed by existing mayors and council leaders.
Warren said: "Any changes to structures of governance and accountability in policing must be rooted in a commitment to ensuring efficiency, fairness and transparency.
"If there is confidence and trust in the mayoral model when it comes to the oversight of local policing, then it is key that appropriate plans are in place for those 16 areas where there are no mayors. We must ensure there is a consistent, robust approach to police leadership and accountability for every community and for every workforce.
Warren said: "Any changes to structures of governance and accountability in policing must be rooted in a commitment to ensuring efficiency, fairness and transparency.
"If there is confidence and trust in the mayoral model when it comes to the oversight of local policing, then it is key that appropriate plans are in place for those 16 areas where there are no mayors. We must ensure there is a consistent, robust approach to police leadership and accountability for every community and for every workforce.
"We also stress the critical importance of chief constables retaining operational independence as part of any changes made, to ensure that forces continue to be able to keep people safe and to respond to community needs without political influence.
"We look forward to hearing more detail on these plans and contributing to the development of any new model, through sharing the experience and insight of our members."
"We look forward to hearing more detail on these plans and contributing to the development of any new model, through sharing the experience and insight of our members."