andyl

Ok, you've not declared victory. But you've said Graham has "failed to convincingly argue against" your points and therefore there's "no need to come back at any". That's rather dismissive and hardly in the spirit of debate. Whatever you think about Graham's posts they have been considered - highly considered! - and have made a significant contribution to the thread (whether you or I agree with them or not) and are worthy of more than a brush off. If you're bored with the thread that's a different thing

For what it's worth, I like Clairey's point. Being specifically elected as a commissioner brings with it all kinds of political baggage and media inspired nonsense. At least with a PA there is a broad range of opinion from across the community which includes a majority elected to represent the community on all matters, not just policing. That sense of distance is I think important as is the ability for a variety of voices to have an input in the way communities are policed.