[MovedGoalPosts]

I do not agree with the idea of a single commissioner. That is clearly flawed. I do however strongly believe that unelected quangos are not the way to go.

Police Authorities and indeed many other organisations with no election process get members appointed who will have some sort of agenda, probably one that fits in with the appointees ideals. Even where we have councillors appointed to the committee, it will be those who have viewpoints on the issue at hand. Who is to say the will act without bias?

Whatever happens the Chief Constable will be responsible for ensuring law and order as is his legal duty, and this will apply to all aspects of the law. However within that remit areas can be prioritised.

Amongst other things the Police Authority decides the police budget (there is a specific part of the Council Tax). At present there seems to be no direct way that those paying this tax have any say in it's amount. Many might agree to pay more, if they could be told this will mean a visible community presence? Communities today, may be able to complain to the local police about specific issues and request they prioritise them, but that is a toothless process. Where officials are elected, to the overseeing body, the Chief Constable would have to sit up and take note, of what they say.