Policing debate put to people

The Government plans to hold elections in May for Police and Crime Commissioners, who would have responsibility for holding Chief Constables to account.

If agreed by Parliament later this year, the new arrangements would put the task of overseeing policing across North Yorkshire in the hands of one person.

North Yorkshire Police Authority would be scrapped but its staff are making preparations for the system that will follow.

The authority wants to hear from the public on how the commissioner should communicate with them.

Seven meetings are to be held across the county in September and October, giving residents the chance to find out more about the Government’s plans.

Topics for discussion are expected to include how information about policing can be put on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube.

The focus groups will also consider the importance of newspapers, Press releases and leaflets in getting the message across, as well as advertising and community events.

A police authority spokesman said: “The outcomes of the discussions will assist in pulling together a cohesive communications strategy for the Police and Crime Commissioner that is relevant to our communities, on whose behalf he or she will be holding the Chief Constable to account.”

The first meeting is to be held at the Evolution Centre in Northallerton on September 8. Further events are planned in York, Selby, Skipton, Scarborough and at the police authority’s offices in Melmerby, Ripon.

For more information and to take part, call the authority on 01765 641839, email [email protected] or visit www.nypa.gov.uk/getinvolved before August 25.