Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Crime panel recommend appointment of Chief Constable.

The Wiltshire Police and Crime Panel met on 11 January to consider the Police and Crime Commissioner’s preferred candidate for the post of Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.

Patrick Geenty, the preferred candidate, appeared before the panel and responded to detailed questions from members.

The panel looked into areas such as Mr Geenty’s professional competence and personal independence and were satisfied that the selection process leading to his appointment as preferred candidate had been based on the principles of merit, openness and honesty.

The Police and Crime Panel next meet on February 6 to discuss the Commissioner’s forthcoming Police and Crime Plan.

So, it would seem that the unelected Police Authority has been replaced by an unelected Police and Crime Panel but with the bonus of a Crime Commissioner (at what salary? £80k?) and a deputy?

Is that really the way to streamline public office and save money?