New members for police authority

Helena Spencer, David Smith and Neil Gammon will serve for a four-year term on the force watchdog, starting from May 17.

Ms Spencer is the former head of democratic services at Hull Council, Mr Smith is a former general manager for BP Chemicals at Saltend, near Hull, and Mr Gammon joins after a 36-year career in the RAF, where he held several managerial positions.

Authority chairman Alene Branton said: "Members of the police authority have the ability to shape the way in which policing is delivered locally, making sure that this meets the needs of different communities.

"I'm sure that our new members will have a lot to contribute and if they only find it half as fulfilling as I have then they will be lucky."

She added: "Independent members bring a wide range of skills to the authority, which makes our decision making more informed. "I'm delighted that we have attracted people so well qualified for this role."

The body's key responsibilities include: appointing chief constables and senior officers; identifying policing priorities, setting the force budget and ensuring standards and improvements in the force.