‘Don’t scrap my job – I’ve made a difference...’

The role of Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner should be scrapped and replaced with a panel of experts, one of Lancashire’s most respected former police officers has said.
Police Crime Commissioner Clive GrunshawPolice Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw
Police Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw

Ex-Det Supt Mick Gradwell says the current role, carried out by Clive Grunshaw, is too big for one person and should not be politically focussed.

Instead he says the county’s police force, and forces across the country, should be overseen by a forum of people with experience in politics, policing and in both the private sector and the public sector.

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He has compared the role of a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) as “bringing the X Factor to politics”.

But Mr Grunshaw, the Labour Party candidate who was elected into the role last year, says 12 months is not long enough to judge the success of the role.

Mr Gradwell’s thoughts on PCCs echo those of ex-Met Police Commissioner Lord John Stevens, whose review of policing in England and Wales suggests the roles should be scrapped in 2016 and more power given to local councillors and local authorities.

He said: “Blackpool is a complex area with its daytime and nighttime economy – it’s a demanding job on its own.

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“I have no problem with an elected role to put the community’s comments forward, but having just one person to do it isn’t enough. I also think it’s too much power for one person, in particular they hire the chief constable. It’s almost bringing the X Factor to politics.”

Mr Grunshaw said: “I think, 12 months in, it is premature to talk about Police and Crime Commissioners failing.

“The first term of office for PCCs is only three and a half years and I believe that is short enough, so after 12 months PCCs certainly need to be given more time to prove themselves, and I believe they will.

“I believe as Police and Crime Commissioner I am making a difference.”

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Mr Grunshaw said he had made progress which would not have been possible with the old police authority.

He said: “I have secured Pioneering Place status from the Early Intervention Foundation (an award which recognises Lancashire as successful at helping vulnerable people get help at the earliest opportunity), commissioned a substantial piece of research seeking the views of victims and victims service providers, given away thousands through my Community Action Fund and developed a Police and Crime Plan with input from the public.”

‘We’ve made significant progress’ says Lancs PCC

Clive Grunshaw said had he made progress which would not have been possible with the old police authority.

He said: “I have secured Pioneering Place status from the Early Intervention Foundation (an award which recognises Lancashire as successful at helping vulnerable people get help at the earliest opportunity), commissioned a substantial piece of research seeking the views of victims and victims service providers, given away thousands through my Community Action Fund and developed a Police and Crime Plan with input from the public.”

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