Ranjeev Pathak, left, and Mike Hill promoting the election for the new Police and Crime Commissioners. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
REPRESENTATIVES of the Police Authority visited the Isle of Wight to tell people about an important new police role.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) will be responsible for setting priorities for constabularies across the country, including overseeing its budget and hiring a chief constable.
A new PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will be elected on November 16, following a final list of candidates which will be announced on October 19.
Despite the Hampshire Constabulary PCC covering the Isle of Wight, as yet, no Islanders have put themselves forward for nomination.
Ranjeev Pathak and Mike Hill, from the Police Authority, which will be disbanded once the PCC selection process is complete, handed information leaflets to commuters at the Red Jet terminal, Cowes.
"Our job is to let people know about the new role and responsibilities of the PCC and how it will affect policing. There will be polling stations set up on the Island on November 15, for people to make their choice. The election is an important opportunity for people to have their say on policing in their area," said Mr Pathak.
PCCs will also be responsible for holding the chief constable to account for the performance of the police, hire and — if necessary — fire the chief constable, and work in partnership with other agencies and the wider criminal justice system to help cut crime and oversee policing and community safety in their area on behalf of residents.
The new PCC will also set the police budget, the police share of council tax and the local police and crime plan for the area.
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk