CANDIDATES campaigning to become the new police and crime commissioner have been invited to attend a public debate.
The hustings, a 'question time' style event organised by the Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils (IWALC), will give people an opportunity to quiz the candidates about their plans for Island policing.
It will be held at the Broadway Centre, Sandown, on Tuesday (6), at 7pm, chaired by IWALC chairman Cllr Gill Kennett.
As reported, six candidates will stand for election on November 15 as the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight — David Goodall (Liberal Democrat), Simon Hayes (Independent), Don Jerrard (Justice and Anti-Corruption Party), Michael Mates (Conservative), Jacqui Rayment (Labour) and Stephen West (UKIP).
The winner will serve a four-year term to oversee policing and community safety in the two counties, decide how budgets are spent and hold the chief constable to account over police performance.
One of their first jobs will be to appoint a replacement for Ch Con Alex Marshall, who has announced he is leaving.
They will also set the police precept paid by residents as part of their council tax.
Isle of Wight Cllr Dave Stewart, Conservative cabinet member for community safety and chairman of a new police and crime panel established to scrutinise the commissioner, previously told the County Press: "It’s important people vote for two reasons — to give the commissioner a strong mandate and to choose the candidate they believe will best address the needs of the community.
"This year’s budget was £327m, and the commissioner will decide where the money goes and what aspects of crime to focus on."
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk